4 Important Constituents of Body Building Supplements

4 Important Constituents of Body Building Supplements

by Angela Giles

A well shaped athletic body is a source of great confidence and pride. Many people engage in body building for this reason and not just for participating in sports. Cutting down fat and developing muscles is not an easy task for anyone. It requires a correct combination of exercise, sleep and diet.

Training for body building requires additional supply of energy and vital nutrients which is only possible by using body building supplements. There are 2 reasons to take these supplements. One is to build strong muscles and second is to restore damaged muscle tissues. Calcium, folic acid, creatine and amino acids are commonly used by body builders. However, nutritional research has produced what are known as 'Super Supplements' which include essential Omega3 fatty acids.

Proteins: These are the most essential components in any bodybuilding program. Muscles are basically comprised of water and proteins. During workouts, muscles are stretched and sometimes the tissues are broken. Proteins help in the repair of damaged muscle tissues. Whey protein, milk protein and egg white protein are common sources of protein supplements. Soy proteins are an alternative used by vegetarians. Most over the counter protein supplements are available in powdered form.

Omega3 fatty acids: Body building programs aim to eliminate fat and increase muscle but in the process they eliminate the essential fats also from the diet which are highly important in maintaining brain functionality. Therefore, it is recommended to take fatty acid supplements in the form of cold water fish oil like that of salmon and mackerel. You can also derive these from pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

Meal replacement: Serious body builders usually replace one normal meal of the day with a low glycemic meal consisting of powdered drink mixes, energy bars and snacks. These foods provide a balanced composition of proteins, vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and carbohydrates. A long term body building program must include a meal replacement strategy.

Creatine: This is a natural compound in the body that provides a short burst of energy to the muscles whenever required like for lifting weights. It works by increasing the water retention capacity of muscles which make them stronger and energetic. Creatine also helps in improving brain functions and in reducing mental fatigue. If you are engaging in body building, then you will need additional supplementation of this compound.

Taking body building supplements before, during and after the work-out is critical. Before the workout, the body needs to build an energy reserve and protein reserve that will build muscle mass. After the workout, repairing muscle tissues and reenergizing the body is a priority. In intense training sessions, body builders also consume energy drinks during the workouts. Usana Health Sciences offers a wide range of supplements including drink mixes and energy bars that can be effectively used for meal replacement during training.

About the Author:

Angela Giles is a firm believer in personal growth and manifestation. She believes that health and wealth are tied together. Learn more about Usana supplements. Click here for article submission.