Introduction
Making the decision to get fit and lead a healthier lifestyle is an important one. And, when you are ready to commit to your fitness goals it is always a good idea to provide yourself with everything you need to make them more easily attainable. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve your endurance, or just feel better overall, the nutrients you provide for your body can make a huge difference in how quickly you see your wanted results. One way to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to support your fitness journey is through supplements, and there are four main types that can be helpful in achieving this.
1. Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant that can be found in many plant-based foods. They’are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control, both of which are important for overall health and fitness. Polyphenols can also help increase energy levels, making them ideal for pre-workout supplementation.
Polyphenols are a large family of compounds, so there are many different types that can be found in supplements. Some of the most common include resveratrol, quercetin, and green tea extract. During their research, the people from Supplement First have concluded that the Pure Encapsulations Quercetin supplement is one of the most bioactive flavonoids. Flavonoids, a subtype of polyphenols, are mainly responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this supplement.
Resveratrol is another polyphenol that is often found in supplements. It is most commonly sourced from grapes, but it can also be found in other fruits and vegetables like blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts. This compound is known for its ability to improve blood sugar control and increase levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.
Finally, green tea extract is a polyphenol that is often used for its potential weight loss effects. This compound is thought to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. It is also a good source of caffeine, and is commonly found in pre-workout supplementation due to its stimulant effects.
2. Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for everyone, but it is especially important for people who are trying to lose weight or build muscle. Protein helps your body repair and rebuild muscle tissue, and it can also help you feel fuller longer, making it easier to stick to a healthy, balanced diet.
There are many different types of protein supplements available, but whey protein is one of the most popular. Whey protein is a type of protein that is found in milk. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. Whey protein is also easy to digest and absorb, making it ideal for post-workout supplementation.
Another popular protein supplement is casein protein. Like whey protein, casein is also found in milk. However, it is absorbed more slowly by the body, making it a better choice for people who are trying to lose weight or build muscle. That is because when our body takes more time to break down and use casein, we feel fuller for longer.
3. Creatine
Creatine is a compound that is found naturally in our bodies, and is also commonly available in supplement form. This compound is typically used by those who are trying to build muscle, as it can help increase strength and power output. Creatine is also thought to improve brain function and increase energy levels. There are many different types of creatine supplements available, but the most popular is creatine monohydrate. This form of creatine is the most studied and seems to be the most effective.
The way creatine works is by increasing the availability of ATP in our cells. ATP is the energy currency of our cells, and when it is increased, we have more energy available to us (or so the theory goes). This can be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight, as it can help increase metabolism. It can also be helpful for people who are trying to build muscle, as already mentioned because it can help increase strength and power output.
4. BCAA’s
BCAA’s (or branched-chain amino acids) are a group of three essential amino acids (including leucine, isoleucine, and valine).
Although they are essential for everyone, they are especially important for people who are trying to lose weight or build muscle. That is because BCAA’s can help reduce fatigue, making it easier to stick to a workout routine. BCAA’s can also help prevent muscle breakdown, making them ideal for post-workout supplementation.
There are many different types of BCAA supplements available, but the most popular is BCAA powder. This type of supplement is usually taken before or during a workout, as it can help reduce fatigue and improve performance. BCAA’s are also often taken after a workout, not only because they can help prevent muscle breakdown but also because they can improve recovery.
Summary
When it comes to fitness, there are four types of supplements you can use on your journey: antioxidants, protein, creatine, and BCAA’s. When considering supplements it is advisable to talk to your a medical professional or a registered dietitian to see what would work best for you and your goals. And, as always, be sure to follow the directions on the supplement label.
