Ma Huang
A herb that yields the stimulant Ephedra.
Maltitol
This is a sugar alcohol that is used as a sweetener. It has half the caloric
value of sucrose because it is not completely absorbed by the body.
Maltodextrin
A long chain of glucose molecules (carbohydrates) that provides sustained energy
without sharply increasing insulin levels. Essentially a chain of molecules
of the simple sugar glucose linked together. There are an average of seven glucose
molecules linked together to form a maltodextrin molecule.
Manganese
Needed for normal tendon and bone structure.
Magnesium
Mineral necessary for energy metabolism, protein and fat synthesis, neuromuscular
transmission, amonia scavenging and binding of calcium to teeth, etc. Aids in
bone growth, and is necessary for proper functioning of nerves and muscles.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)
MCT's are technically fats, but they have very unique properties. The difference
between them and other fats lies in their molecular structure. MCT's are shorter
than other fats, which allows them to be burned rather quickly by the body for
energy. MCT's enter the mitochondria, the powerhouse of a cell, without assistance,
and do not require the usual transport mechanism.
MCT's are an attractive supplement because of their calorie density. They have 9 calories per gram, like fats, but lack the disposition to be stored as fat. All fats are not created equal. Research shows that animals maintain a lower bodyfat when they use MCT's in place of traditional fats.
They can help you increase lean muscle tissue, decrease excess bodyfat and fuel precompetition workouts.
Melatonin
Hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms; helps
induce sleep and acts as an antioxidant.
Methionine
A sulfur bearing essential amino acid important in hair, nail and muscle production,
liver maintenance (lipotropic effects), and production of creatine and other
aminos.
Methoxyflavone
Also called 5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone. A synthetic isoflavone that is highly
anabolic, yet free of any androgenic effects. It halts the muscle wasting, and
increases lean tissue growth. It increases calcium phosphorous, potassium and
nutrogen retition to a significant degree.
Mineral
Inorganic substances necessary for good health as an ingrediant or a catalyst.
Mineral (Chelated)
A chelated mineral is generally attached to a protein transporter molecule with
the intent of improved transport across the gut to the blood stream. Although
some of the minerals are well absorbed in this manner it does not necessarily
always indicative of the best form for absorption.
Monounsaturated Fats
An essential fatty acid (EFA) that seems to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease. This is considered a type of 'good' fat. Olive oil, and canola oil
have this in them. You need approxiamately 2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
A stable form of the essential amino acid L-cysteine. Cysteine is a precursor
for glutathione, an important antioxidant in the body. Cysteine also serves
as a major sulfur source for many body components.
NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
Also known as coenzyme 1, is the coenzymatic form of vitamin B3. NADH is involved
in the production of energy in every cell. It supports healthly neurotransmitter
functions.
Niacin (Vitamn B-3)
A vitamin Important in carbohydrate metabolism, formation of testosterone and
other hormones, formation of red blood cells and maintaining the integrity of
all cells. Helps body utilize protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Necessary for
a healthy nervous system and digestive system. It also lowers elevated blood
cholesterol levels when taken in large amounts of more than 1,000 milligrams
a day.
Norandrostenedione
Naturally occuring prohormone that works in a manner similar to Androstenedione,
however, results can be much better, and side effects less.
Norepinephrine
A hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Important for many bodily activities,
including brain function.
Olestra
A fake fat substitute. This will save you calories, but may also deplete your
body of nutrients. If you use this product, or products containing this, make
sure you good your 2% dose of essential fatty acids (EFA).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
An essential fatty acid (EFA) that seems to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease. This is considered a type of 'good' fat. Sources include fish, salmon,
mackerel, sardines. You need approxiamately 2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
Ornithine
A non-essential, non-structural amino acid made from Arginine shown to influence
growth hormone release: most anabolic when combined with alpha-ketoglutarate
(OKG).
Paba (Para Aminobenzoic Acid)
Important for the formation of red blood cells. Aids in the conversion of protein
into energy. Necessary for healthy skin, and hair pigmentation.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5)
A vitamin which supports carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism; hemoglobin
synthesis. Helps release energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Needed
to support a variety of body functions, including the maintenance of a healthy
digestive system.
Pectin
A soluble fiber found in the skins of fruits (apples and peaches) and vegetables.
One study found that eating Pectin will make you feel full longer. Researchers
speculate that Pectin may slow digestin and keep food in your stomach longer.
Phaseolus Vulgaris
An ingredient which has been shown to effectively prevent the body from absorbing
up to 35 grams of unwanted starch per meal. It is found in white kidney beans.
Phenylalanine
An amino acid, one of the main ingredients to enhance brain function. It has
also been used to relieve stress.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
A phospholid. An ingredient which may block cortisol (a hormone which breaks
down muscle cells into fuel). Alsom reported to increase levels of glucose,
the brain's energy source.
Phosphorus
Mineral that is structural component of all cells (including muscle); necessary
for energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and growth / mainteneance of al tissues.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are potent and wide ranging in their physiological prperties. They
are antioxidants, cancer preventatives, cavity and gingivitis preventatives,
prebiotics and even internal deodorizers.
Potassium
Mineral that helps maintain cellular integrity and water balance, nerve transmission
and energy metabolism; necessary for muscle contraction. Potassium helps to
lower blood pressure, lower risk of stroke, maintain muscle balance and prevent
muscle cramping. Potassium helps to reduce the amount of sodium in the body.
Pregnenolone
The "mother" steroid hormone from which most other steroid (sex) hormones
are made, including DHEA. Has beneficial neurotransmitter effects.
Proanthocyanadins
Potent antioxidant phytonutrient found in some pine needles (pycnogenol) and
grape seeds and skins (grape seed extract), it is especially synergistic with
vitamin C making them more powerful antioxidants together than by themselves.
Protein
Primary macronutrient for growth and maintenance of our body's structural parts
(including muscle). Cannot be stored, so must be replenished through diet. (1
gram=4 calories).
Protein (Egg)
Source of protein with high Protein Efficiency Ratio, usually in egg white form
(albumin) when used in protein powder to avoid cholesterol in egg yolk. Egg
protein is the standard by which all other proteins are measured because of
its very high ration of indispensable amino acids (also called essential amino
acids because they must be supplied to the body from food or supplements) to
dispensable amino acids.
Protein (Soy)
Soy protein does not offer much benefits to a bodybuilder. Soy protein does
not form a good curd in the stomach, thus making it a fast protein. The amino
acid pattern in soy is inferior to that of milk proteins, and not as favorable
toward promoting growth.
Protein (Whey)
Dairy source of protein (other than cassein), known for high levels of BCAA's
and high nitrogen retention. Made from milk curd, whey protein is the Rolls
Royce of proteins because it has a superior amino acid composition (including
high levels of leucine, arguably the most important branched chain amino acid),
superior biological value (meaning that more of what you eat gets digested and
into your system), is very low in lactose (a milk sugar that most adults have
difficulty digesting).
Protein (Whey Hydrolyzed)
When you hydrolyze whey protein, you permanently modify the native protein structure,
meaning that the protein has been denatured. A denatured whey protein has little
or no biological activity. The hydrolysis process breaks apart peptide bonds,
which destroys the protein structure and the bital whey protein biological activity.
However, you still get the amino acids of whey proteins from the hydrolyzed
whey protein. Half the reason bodybuilders eat protein is to obtain these healthful
smaller protein chains.
Protein (Whey Ion-Exchange)
This special process revolved around the positive and negative charges or ion
properties of whey protein. It featured the use of a resin to isolate the protein
material from the whey. This is followed by ultrafiltration methods to furthur
concentrate the protein. This contains 90% protein, and less than 1% lactose.
True ion exchange whey protein is clear in a solution.
Protein (Whey Microfiltration)
Microfiltration Whey Protein features filtering membranes with microscopic holes.
This is also sometimes called Cross-Flow filtration, or Nanofiltration, depending
on the size of the holes of the filtering membranes.
Purslane
It is a weed that is edible, and sometimes put on salads, mostly in Europe.
It is loaded with linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acid that may help reduce
the risk of heart attack, and improve the health of cell membranes in the eyes
and brain. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin E, providing 6 times as
much as spinach.
Pycnogenol
Source of proanthocyanadins.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6)
A vitamin which supports glycogen and nitrogen metabolism; production and transport
of amino acids; production and maintenance of red blood cells (hemoglobin) Essential
for the body's utilization of protein. Needed for the production of red blood
cells, nerve tissues, and antibodies. Women taking oral contraceptives have
lower levels of B-6.
Pyruvate
A key energy metabolite for the breakdown of fuel (glucose, fatty acids, amino
acids, etc.) to energy in our bodies, pyruvate can give us increased energy,
assist in burning fat as fuel, and have anticatabolic effects (such as producing
alanine). Pyruvate acid is alpha - ketopropionic acid. Studies have shown that
pyruvate can help decrease fatigue, and increase vigor with only six grams per
day.
The human body breaks down carbohydrates for energy though a process called glycolysis. As these sugars and starches are metabolized, pyruvate (pyruvic acid) is produced, which readily enters the mitochondria of cells to create energy fueling the muscles and other parts of the body.
Quercetin
This bioflavonoid occurs in many plant foods. Quercitin has a synergistic effect
with ephedrine and caffeine, increasing and prolonging their properties.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
A vitamin with antioxidant properties, important for eye protection and bone
growth; protein and hormone synthesis (including GH and testosterone); supports
tissue maintenance. Helps reduce susceptibility to infection. Essential for
healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and teeth, kidneys, bladder, lungs and
membranes.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2)
A vitamin which helps with energy production and amino acid production. Helps
body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Helps maintain good
vision and healthy skin.
Ribose
Ribose is a simple sugar that is extremely important in many processes in the
body. Ribose is found in all living cells. It is the backbone of genetic material,
and it is the starting point for production of ATP. Ribose effectively increases
ATP and TAN (Total Adenine Nucleotide) recovery, while impriving performance
in heart and muscle cells. Ribose also fortifies muscle ATP but through a different
pathway than creatine. Ribose also bolsters muscle recovery after your train.
Ribose promotes more effcient salvage pathway, thus allowing better ATP recycling
and consequent increased muscular recovery after training. If the body does
not use the salvage pathway, when ribose is insufficient, it must make ATP from
scratch.
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