When life gets in the way of eating well and exercising as you should, it’s good to have a source to rely on.
Sometimes we’re simply unable to make time for a well-balanced meal or a workout.
Supplements provide that source and they save you quite a hassle. They give you the boost you need to take your health and fitness to the next level.
But, not all supplements are good supplements. Some will cause adverse effects that are dangerous to your health.
It’s crucial to know what’s good for your body and what will leave you hanging. Here are our five best ways to get a nutrition boost with supplements.
1. Fish Oil
Unlike many other popular supplements, fish oil actually has solid validation from researchers. Not only does it offer a plethora of health benefits, but also it helps burn much more fat during a workout.
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acid, which is wonderful for your heart. This will significantly decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease.
It’s also highly recommended for those who have experienced a heart attack. It is said to protect them against sudden death and further heart-related complications.
Instead of anti-inflammatory medicine, try fish oil, which offers the same benefits. Except, fish oil doesn’t pose a slew of health risks, such as high blood pressure, kidney damage, and stroke.
Fish oil helps improve cognitive functions, so you are much clearer and focused, as well.
Many of us struggle to get enough of this oil in our diets unless you regularly eat seafood. So, it’s highly recommended to take a supplement to get the nutrition boost you need.
2. Creatine
You’ve probably seen hundreds of workout supplements that boast all these off-the-wall claims. They may seem too good to be true because they usually are.
Creatine is different. Sure, its promises may seem quite exaggerated. But, that’s not the case.
Much like fish oil, it actually has legitimate backing from scientific research. It has been tested countless times and although results do vary, one thing is for certain: It works.
Creatine helps increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within our bodies. ATP is what helps us repair and grow our muscles during our workouts.
It’s great for quick fitness boosts, so you’re able to push yourself a little harder in the gym. It offers bursts of energy when you need it the most.
You can find creatine in many various forms, including liquids and powder. It also comes in many of the foods we eat.
To achieve the greatest results from it, we recommend using a concentrated powder. This is much more powerful than many of our other available sources.
3. Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)
They may sound like something straight out of your high school science class. But, we promise, they’re not as confusing as they sound.
Essentially, a BCAA is made up of three vital amino acids that support muscle repair and growth. It is a mix of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
These acids offer your body the protein it needs. This not only helps with your fitness goals but also gives you quite the nutrition boost.
BCAA helps reduce the production of cortisol, which prevents your body from gaining muscle. Cortisol also slows your metabolism, so you’re much more prone to weight gain.
One thing to note about these amino acids is that in order for them to work, you have to consume regularly. It’s recommended to take one in the morning, night, and before and after a workout.
Luckily, they’re not that steep in cost, so they won’t break your bank.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium is very important for your health, but so many of us are deficient in it. That’s especially true for Western diets.
It’s health benefits cannot be ignored. Magnesium affects several parts of the body, including the brain, muscles, and heart.
For those who have high blood pressure, make sure you’re getting enough magnesium. That’s especially true for older adults.
It also maximizes your workout performance. It works as an energy source to give you the nutrition boost you need through your muscle stress periods.
Magnesium can help improve the quality of your life. It fights against depression and is commonly used within antidepressants. Also, it helps you maintain better sleep.
Adding this supplement will also help boost your testosterone, as well. As you know, testosterone is important for enhancing tissue growth and growth hormone.
You’re more likely to benefit from magnesium with consumption before and after activity. It can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or powder.
5. Carbohydrates
Bet you didn’t expect to see this on the list, did you? Consuming more carbohydrates kind of contradicts all we’ve ever been told about dieting.
But, to some degree, carbs are necessary to maintain a healthy diet. We need simple carbs to increase muscle mass and to burn fat after exercise.
Often, when we restrict our intake, we’re not filling that simple carb group with other sources. So, a supplement can give you that nutrition boost without having to worry about carb’s downsides.
After a workout, your body secretes cortisol. As mentioned before, cortisol can put a huge stunt on muscle growth. That’s because it entirely throws off your glycogen and glucose levels.
Simple carbs protect your glucose levels, so you don’t have to worry about a wasted workout. It also helps save your muscle tissue.
The Nutrition Boost You Need
We’ve got you covered.
At WhatProtein, we’re dedicated to helping you learn how to burn fat and build muscle. We love to share our passion for health and fitness with others!
Are you looking for guidance on workout plans? Training programs? Nutrition? Then, look no further.
Also, if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.