Every top 5 list for supplements will vary due to marketing, opinions, fads and hottest trends. This is a money-making industry and hands are out and ready to take your cash.
In fact, we can obtain most of our essential nutrients from healthy food intake to create the body we desire. Before you stop reading, a few supplements have shown promise with enhancing our fitness. Studies for more conclusive information are always ongoing.
Supplements remain unregulated and as a consumer should be approached with buyer-beware. Before handing over hard-earned cash for supplements, it’s recommended to research the products, talk to your doctor and track your own progress.
Make an informed decision before purchasing a bunch of supplements thought to produce a fitness miracle. Now that you are reading with an open mind, the following supplements are backed by scientific evidence and often asked about for improving fitness.
Fish Oil
Omega 3 fats have already been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and now studies are seeing neuromuscular improvement for endurance athletes with fish oil supplementation.
BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids)
BCAAs contain leucine, isoleucine, and valine which have an important role in protein synthesis and glucose uptake into our cells. These amino acids have important functions post-exercise and for overall muscle building and recovery.
Further research also indicated similar findings with the addition of “BCAA as a useful supplement for muscle recovery and immune regulation for sports events.”
Caffeine
Caffeine is typically one of the top ingredients for fat burning supplements, weight loss products, and performance enhancers. A great cup of black coffee can deliver the metabolism boost plus provide bonus antioxidants. More is not better however when it comes to caffeine and proceed with caution before using this product.
Vitamin D
An abstract published by Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise states “vitamin D may improve athletic performance in vitamin D-deficient athletes” and “may also protect the athlete from several acute and chronic medical conditions.”
“Accumulating evidence supports the existence of a functional role for vitamin D in skeletal muscle with potentially significant impacts on both the performance and injury profiles of young, otherwise healthy athletes.”
Creatine
Creatine is one of the most researched and widely used supplements to enhance muscle building and strength. It is responsible for supplying energy to cells within the body and keeping our cellular functions in balance.
The takeaway: do your research and consult a professional when available!
