Wheatgrass has gained popularity in the past ten years with more juice and smoothie shops opening up. But do you actually know why wheatgrass is good for you? Do you know anything about wheatgrass other than you should take it because it is healthy? Keep reading to learn what wheatgrass is and why you should be getting more of it.

Now that you know all the benefits of wheatgrass, give it a second glance when you see it at your vitamin shop or when you stop in for a smoothie. The benefits on your body are straight forward, it helps to keep you feeling and looking good.

Athletes are always looking for ways to get the most out of their workouts. Whether it’s running or biking further, or getting the most from a bodybuilding regimen, the quest for the ultimate combination of workout-aiding supplements never ends. This search for the best in sports nutrition can lead to seemingly unlikely combinations. As a case in point, let’s look at CytoSport’s Cytomax and Muscle Milk.

What Are Muscle Milk and Cytomax?
CytoSport developed the blend of protein and creatine found in Muscle Milk for bodybuilders and other athletes who are looking to build strong, lean muscle mass. Muscle Milk’s special combination of EndoCreatine, Lean Lipid fats, protein powder, peptides, and amino acids has proven effective at building muscle mass and helping athletes recover quickly from workouts. Sold in a powdered mix, this supplement is easy to prepare and formulate for your exact needs.
Cytomax isn’t as common in the gym. More likely, you’ll find it in the bottles of long-distance runners, cyclists, and triathletes—people who are looking for an energy drink that provides clean-burning carbohydrate fuel. Its ingredient blend of lactates, amino acids, and carbs gives them what they’re looking for, and lowers lactic-acid levels and improves oxygen utilization along the way.

Why Carbs Matter
If you’re an endurance athlete, you’re used to thinking about carbs—but if your workouts tend more toward pumping iron than logging miles, you may wonder what the big deal is. It’s simple—your body can only store so much fuel for your muscles, and when that’s gone, performance suffers. Your body tries to burn fat, an inefficient process, and then turns to the only thing left—protein from your muscles. Since fat and muscle don’t provide energy quickly enough to keep you going, you just plain run out of gas. It’s what runners and cyclists refer to as “bonking.”
To beat the bonk, you’ve got to ingest calories. Carbohydrate-based calories burn quickly, so they’re perfect for the task. That’s why most sports drinks are packed with simple sugars, usually sucrose and fructose—hence their sweetness. The majority of them, whether it’s Powerade or Gatorade, are mostly sugar water with salt added.

Cytomax Keeps You Going Strong
The problem with sugars is that they can turn to fat unless you burn them all up. But if you fuel with Cytomax, you don’t have to worry, since it contains no sucrose—just electrolytes, lactates, and a pinch of sodium. The energy from Cytomax burns cleanly in your body, so Cytomax keeps you working at peak levels longer. You’ll train harder, and burn calories without burning muscle.

Fuel Up for Success
So next time you’re getting ready for a hard set at the gym, mix together some Cytomax and Muscle Milk and give it a try. You’ll be giving your body the two things it needs for the maximum payoff: energy to burn while you work out (Cytomax), and a sophisticated blend of proteins and other nutrients to build muscle (Muscle Milk).
Best of all, you won’t have to choke down a disgustingly sweet and chalky beverage to get it done. Muscle Milk is a perfect mixing medium for combining with Cytomax and comes in a variety of tasty flavors, like Chocolate Malt, Blueberries and Cream, and Peanut Butter Chocolate. So drink up, and enjoy getting more out of your workout!—Ken Nail

Many athletes and other active people need a boost to get through their challenging schedule, and this is easier with caffeine and other energy-enhancing supplements. The release of adrenaline in the body can make it easier to focus and perform at a higher level. EndoRush from BSN offers a powerful formula of vitamins, amino acids, and cognitive enhancers that can increase mental focus and performance during training, and the ready-to-drink formula also helps with electrolyte replenishment. By dilating the blood vessels and delivering crucial nutrients to muscles, the energy drink promises to provide the vital mix of ingredients you need to reach your full potential.
Value of Energy Drinks
Energy drinks can supplement any weight-training or workout program by delivering essential nutrients and amino acids not found elsewhere in the diet. If you’re looking for a source of sustainable energy, drinks such as EndoRush can give you increased strength and energy during challenging workouts, while also infusing your body with vital supplements to give you a head start on muscle recovery and repair. These energy drinks are a combination of natural vitamins and synthetic ingredients designed to enhance both physical and cognitive performance.
Why EndoRush?
EndoRush is designed with a proprietary blend of powerful ingredients, including:

• 
  NOX Fusion, which is designed to enhance endurance and performance by increasing nitric oxide (NO) in the body and serving as a catalyst for all other ingredients in EndoRush.


• 
  Ener-Tropic, a combination of an energy enhancer and nootropic; the Ener-Tropic formula is designed to support the brain and body by making it easier to concentrate and focus.


• 
  Glycerol Hydrating Polymers, which are designed to attract vital fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to muscles and easily deliver essential nutrients to the body.


• 
  Phospho-Electrolyte Replacers, which are designed to replenish the body with vital electrolytes that support healthy salt levels in the body and can reduce muscle cramping and fatigue.

Other Ingredients
EndoRush also contains a mixture of alkylglycerols (AKGs), caffeine, B vitamins, and L-arginine to support weight management and enhance performance. Amino acids such as L-citrulline and other AKGs can help synthesize protein and improve muscle ATP levels. Cinnulin-PF is a cinnamon extract that helps manage blood glucose levels; some clinical studies report that it also has positive effects on triglyceride levels in the body. L-tyrosine may help to enhance mood and increase performance under stress. Other ingredients in EndoRush include:

• 
  Vinca alkaloids (vinpocetine, vincamine, and vinburine) for cognitive enhancement.


• 
  Biperine, a black pepper extract designed to increase bioavailability of other nutrients and acids.


• 
  Methylxanthines, a source of caffeine that can help with high-intensity exercise.


• 
  Glucuronolactone, an acid with antioxidant properties.


• 
  Taurine, an amino acid that may help with insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress.


• 
  Gynostemma pentaphyllum, an herb intended to stimulate NO release.


• 
  L-histidine AKG, an amino acid that is commonly used in dietary supplements that have vasodilating properties; vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels.


• 
  L-arginine, an essential amino acid that can enhance NO conversion.

—Sabah Karimi

Energy bars can be a great mini-meal replacement or snack, especially if you need a source of quality energy as part of a balanced nutrition program. But which should you choose—a high-protein bar or a high-carb one? Finding the brands and manufacturers that only use quality ingredients can be difficult, and learning which type of bar best suits your lifestyle and fitness goals is a necessary first step. After all, you don’t want to wind up with what amounts to a glorified candy bar.

High-Carb vs. High-Protein

To make the best choice, you’ll need to understand how each type of bar releases energy. High-carb bars provide a quick burst of energy and are most effective either before or after a workout. High-protein bars, on the other hand, are meant to release energy steadily, since they’re mixed with a concentrated source of fat and are low in carbohydrates. If you’re following a high-protein diet, these may also work well as a meal replacement.

Strive for Balance

A well-balanced diet is made up of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of whole grains. Both high-protein and high-carb energy bars can be eaten as a snack or mini-meal replacement, and can help manage any key vitamin or mineral deficiencies in the diet. It’s important to drink plenty of water to ensure maximum nutrient absorption, and read the labels of all bars to see if they contain any stimulants or additives. Learning how many calories your body needs to stay healthy, given your activity level and lifestyle, will also help you create a plan that you can realistically stick with. Supplementing your diet with energy bars can help you create a nutrition plan that works for you.

High-Protein Energy Bars

High-protein energy bars are usually made of a blend of whey protein and protein from other sources and, when used appropriately, can help support growth of lean muscle mass. Casein is a common ingredient in these bars, and can help boost your metabolism to aid in weight loss. High-protein energy bars can provide:

• A simple option for post-workout recovery.


• Vitamins and minerals that may otherwise be lacking in your diet.


• A steady amount of essential fats; look for essential fatty acids (EFAs), which can be especially helpful in balancing out a low-fat diet.


• A steady source of carbohydrates, which can help manage blood sugar levels.


• Easy absorption and a source of quality protein, which can aid in muscle repair and recovery.


• A variety of flavors.

High-Carb Bars

High-carb bars contain more carbohydrates than protein and fats, and are generally intended as a quick source of energy. They’re usually made with high-fructose corn syrup or even molasses, which are quickly released into the body. Many of these bars are fortified with vitamins and minerals. High-carb energy bars can provide:

• Quick energy if you’ve missed a meal.


• A quick increase in blood sugar levels after an intensive workout.


• Low fat content and easy absorption in the body.


• A variety of flavors.


• Added stimulants that can speed recovery.

You can choose from a number of energy bars that are fortified with varying levels of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes stimulants. A balanced nutrition program comprises a variety of foods, but you shouldn’t use energy bars as a replacement for whole foods. This is even more important if you’re very active or work out regularly. Both high-carb and high-protein energy bars can help you improve performance when you use them for the right reasons.
—Sabah Karimi

If you’re in search of a natural way to boost to your energy level, increase your stamina, or enhance your general sense of well-being, ginseng may be able to help. Of all the natural substances used in traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is the most highly prized. That’s because it can be used in many forms to treat a wide variety of conditions. In fact, the botanical name for ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, is derived from the Greek word for panacea, or cure-all. The word in Chinese means “wonder of the world.”

Types of Ginseng

There are several different varieties of ginseng, including Chinese, Korean, and American versions of the plant. The property that makes all of these varieties of ginseng so popular and effective is a natural compound called ginsenosides. This compound is similar in structure to pharmaceutical steroids and produces similar results. However, unlike the pharmaceutical version, ginsenosides do not have the negative side effects associated with steroids.

Korean ginseng has properties remarkably similar to those of anabolic steroids, which makes it a popular supplement for bodybuilders and other athletes who seek increased stamina for superior performance. The American and Chinese varieties also help increase stamina and are used to provide relief for the symptoms of many different conditions.

Uses

Here’s a brief look at the general uses of ginseng.

• As a tonic or adaptogen. Ginseng is widely used to increase the sense of well-being and to fight the effects of stress.


• To boost energy. Ginseng is a key ingredient in many energy-enhancing drinks and supplements. It has been used for centuries to increase stamina.


• To decrease glucose in the blood and regulate blood pressure. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, some studies show ginseng can lower blood sugar. It’s used to treat type 2 diabetes and associated conditions.


• To correct erectile and libido dysfunction. Ginseng is often taken as an aphrodisiac and is thought to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction.


• To enhance the immune system. Ginseng is believed to have a positive effect on the body’s ability to resist and withstand illnesses.


• To relieve symptoms of menopause. Ginseng can help women find relief from many menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, decreased energy, and mood changes.


• As a digestive aid. Ginseng is often used to assist with digestion, particularly with people who suffer a loss of appetite due to illness.


• To aid detoxification. By easing withdrawal symptoms, ginseng may be of use to people who are struggling to overcome addiction.

Medicinal ginseng is generally derived from the root of the plant. It is often aged after it is harvested. In traditional Chinese medicine, the older the ginseng root, the more valuable it is. The Asian and American varieties of ginseng are most widely used for medicinal purposes.

Variety of Forms

If you’re ready to give ginseng a try, you won’t have any trouble finding a variety of products that feature the root as a key ingredient. You’ll find ginseng in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, teas, and tinctures. It’s also used in health and beauty products. So if you need extra energy or would like to explore an ancient remedy today, take a look at ginseng.
—Sherry Ciurczak

If you’re like many people, you think herbs are somehow “safer” than many non-herbal products. Guess what? They’re not. Herbs were used as medicine for thousands of years before there were physicians, with good reason. And though modern medicines are made in laboratories instead of mixed by herbalists, as many as 25 percent of prescription drugs contain substances distilled or otherwise obtained from the plant kingdom.

Aspirin Grows on Trees

A good example is aspirin, which is primarily salicylic acid, the very same substance found in the willow bark tea that American Indians drank to reduce fevers. Since the two remedies are essentially the same chemically, drinking willow bark tea is no safer than taking aspirin—in fact, it may be more dangerous, because while aspirin is clearly labeled as to the amount of salicylic acid it contains, willow bark tea may not be.

Guarana

Another good example of this is guarana, a tropical berry that many people assume is safer than caffeine. Though some believe guarana is chemically related to theobromine (an alkaloid found in chocolate) rather than to caffeine, guarana actually contains a substance called guaranine that is almost identical to caffeine.

Hailing from South America, guarana also contains tannin, which is found in many plants, including tea leaves and wine grapes. The combination of guaranine and tannins may be what gives guarana a slightly longer-acting stimulant effect than caffeine alone.

There’s no medical evidence that drinking guarana-containing beverages, such as Bawls Guarana, is any safer than drinking coffee, though some energy drink manufacturers tout as being safer and than coffee because of its herbal origin.

What Coffee and Guarana Have in Common

News flash: Coffee is an herb, too. It just happens to be one that is grown commercially in far greater quantity that guarana. The stimulants found in coffee beans and guarana berries produce the exact same effects: increased mental acuity and a relatively swift energy burst. And while in the short term you may be able to get away with drinking caffeinated coffee or guarana-laced energy drinks or supplements (such as Twinlab’s Ripped Fuel), relying on them to keep you awake and boost your energy levels can have disastrous consequences.

Be Still My Heart

In case you have any lingering doubts, consider this: The Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy reported a study of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) (known to laypeople as irregular heartbeats or heart palpitations) associated with two herbal supplements that contained large doses of guarana. While the exact cause of PVC in the study was not proven, researchers believed that the guarana may have been the culprit.

Let’s face it. Any product that can give you the energy to stay awake for hours and dance all night when you should be allowing your body to repair and replenish its energy stores through sleep is not good for you in the long run. Your body was not designed to remain awake and active all the time, and no herb that can effectively interfere with your natural sleep rhythms can safely change that.

So the next time you feel tempted to consume a drink or other product containing guarana, take a moment to evaluate what’s really going on with your body. If the answer is that you’re tired, you may be a lot better off taking a nap instead.
—Julie Crawshaw

Energy drinks and liquid enhancers can help you reach your peak performance during your workout, and many bodybuilders and other athletes make them a regular part of their routines. Energy drinks often include a variety of natural and herbal extracts that can increase circulation, improve blood flow, and can even carry aminfo acids to muscles for recovery. Finding the right set of ingredients to support your health goals is important, but not all supplements are valuable to everyone. Determining which energy drink fits with your goals and lifestyle is important, and taking note of key ingredients will help you see which supplements are best for your body.

Types of Energy Drinks

Sports drinks, protein powders, and caffeine-enhanced tonics are all ways to increase your natural energy level and may make a difference during a workout. Some simply offer a caffeine boost that helps increase blood flow to the brain and muscles and works as a stimulant. Others contain a mixture of proteins and amino acids to help fuel muscles both during and after a workout. These are designed to lower your lactic acid levels so that you experience less burning, cramping, and stress during training.

Other energy drinks use a combination of energy-boosting ingredients such as ginseng and guarana. These are often included as part of a caffeine mix and can help supply extra energy.

Energy drinks enhanced with complex carbohydrates and electrolytes can help your body maintain a steady level of energy. These are designed to reduce fatigue during exercise, and can give you the extra edge to compete longer and harder.

Energy drinks may also help with fat loss and weight management, especially when used in combination with a steady exercise program. Fat-burning formulas may include caffeine, guarana, and other supplements that can improve performance.

Ingredient-Panel Decoder

Energy drinks are available in a variety of forms and combinations, and each ingredient has a specific function. Some key ingredients found in energy drinks are:

• Caffeine, for energy and to serve as a stimulant.


• Guarana, another natural stimulant.


• Ginseng, a natural energy booster.


• Green barley grass, which is rich in amino acids and minerals.


• Adaptogenic herbs, which may help improve immunity.


• Eicosanoids, to balance and control the body’s hormonal system.


• L-Polylactate, to manage lactic acid production and minimize muscle soreness.


• Synephrine, a thermogenic and energy-boosting compound.


• DL-phenylalanine for increased mental power.


• L-tyrosine, for dopamine release and easier brain receptor recovery.

Potential Dangers

Since many energy drinks act as stimulants, it’s important to make note of dosage levels and how the drinks may be affecting your heart rate and respiration. Since caffeine is a diuretic, frequent use of energy drinks can cause dehydration, so it’s essential to drink enough water and other fluids throughout any training and supplement period.

While many energy drinks claim to be all-natural, it’s important to consider the potent effects of herbs and extracts. Herbs such as guarana, ginseng, and taurine can have powerful side effects, including the inability to sleep, excessive sweating, or—if you aren’t drinking enough water—muscle cramping. To learn more about combining energy drinks with strenuous exercise, see this article.

Still, energy drinks can help enhance performance and reduce physical fatigue when combined with a healthy diet and adequate rest.
—Sabah Karimi