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9 Important Vitamins and Minerals Essential for Bodybuilding and Strength
In Natural Muscle Building, Supplementsby

9 Important Vitamins and Minerals Essential for Bodybuilding and Strength

9 important vitamins and minerals can make or break your bodybuilding and strength endeavours.

Micronutrients are essential for optimal health and performance. These nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, play crucial roles in various bodily functions such as energy metabolism, immune system function, and tissue repair. Here, we will discuss 9 important vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal performance. We also list which foods will provide you with the highest daily intake.

9 important vitamins and minerals

Maintaining optimal health and performance requires a nutrient-rich diet containing essential vitamins and minerals. By incorporating diverse food sources into your regimen, you can be sure to get the needed amounts of these key elements for wellbeing. Here is our list of 9 important vitamins and minerals:

Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient for athletes, providing oxygen and energy to active muscles. To ensure maximum absorption, pair your meals like legumes or grains that contain Iron with vitamin C rich fruits and veggies – this can help increase uptake up 4-6 times more than usual! Avoid caffeine beverages alongside; even something seemingly harmless such as coffee could impede iron absorption if consumed together .

Vegans may struggle with their iron levels as non-heme plants sources are not as easily absorbed by the body compared to heme from meat products.

How much do you need? men: 8 mg/day, women: 18 mg/day

Get it from:

  • 1 serving 50% fortified breakfast cereals – 9 mg or 50% of your daily value
  • 3 oz oysters – 8 mg or 44% of your daily value
  • 3 oz dark chocolate – 7 mg or 39% of your daily value
  • ½ cup lentils – 3 mg or 17% of your daily value
  • ½ cup tofu – 3 mg or 17% of your daily value
  • 1/2 cup kidney beans – 2 mg or 11% of your daily value

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps fuel your body for optimal performance! It’s essential for the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to muscles, as well protein synthesis – key processes in building and maintaining muscle. Not meeting adequate intake can mean anemia and seriously decreased energy levels, especially among vegan athletes or those who limit their caloric intake. Ensure you stay on top of Vitamin B12 needs to be at peak athletic conditioning!

How much do you need? 2.4 mcg/day

Get it from:

  • 3 oz salmon – 4.8 mcg or 200% of your daily value
  • 3 oz tuna – 2.5 mcg or 104% of your daily value
  • 3 oz beef – 1.4 mcg or 58% of your daily value
  • 1 cup milk- 1.2 mcg or 50% of your daily value
  • 1 large egg – 0.6 mcg or 25% of your daily value

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for athletes to maintain healthy muscle function, strength and performance. Even though it can be stored in the body after absorbing sunlight, foods such as eggs or seafood are great sources of natural vitamin D. At the same time, vegans may also want to consider fortified plant milks and cereals along with direct exposure to sun rays as a way of obtaining their recommended daily intake of this nutrient.

How much do you need? 600 IUs/day

Get it from:

  • 3 oz. salmon – 715 IUs or 119% of your daily value
  • 1 cup fortified orange juice – 137 IUs or 23% of your daily value
  • 1 cup fortified milk – 115 IUs or 19% of your daily value
  • 1 large egg – 41 IUs or 7% of your daily value

Calcium

Staying physically active is a sure-fire way to maintain your health, but there’s one mineral that can help keep you strong and energised: calcium. For regular gymrats, this crucial nutrient gives your muscles the power they need for each contraction while also helping promote healthy bones in the long term. Additionally, studies have indicated dairy products high in calcium may be able to aid with weight loss by increasing fat burning – something we could all use more of!

How much do you need? 1,000 mg/day

Get it from:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt – 415 mg or 42% of your daily value
  • 1.5 ounces mozzarella cheese – 333 mg or 33% of your daily value
  • 3 oz canned sardines – 325 mg or 33% of your daily value
  • 1 cup fortified orange juice – 345 mg or 35% of your daily value
  • 1 cup fortified soy milk – 299 mg or 30% of your daily value
  • 1 cup milk – 275 mg or 28% of your daily value
  • ½ cup tofu – 138 mg or 14% of your daily value
  • ½ cup turnip greens – 99 mg or 10% of your daily value

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a vital role in our bodies, helping to promote optimal muscle function and bone formation while aiding energy metabolism. Athletes need even more magnesium due to the amount lost through sweat. Unlike some other nutrients whose daily needs can be satisfied from 2 to 3 servings of rich sources, most foods containing magnesium only provide 10-20% of your daily value, so including a variety of sources in your diet is key.

How much do you need? men: 420 mg/day, women: 320 mg/day

Get it from:

  • 3 oz almonds – 80 mg or 20% of your daily value
  • ½ cup cooked spinach – 78 mg or 20% of your daily value
  • 3 oz cashews – 74 mg or 19% of your daily value
  • ½ cup black beans – 60 mg or 15% of your daily value
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter – 49 mg or 12% of your daily value
  • ½ cup brown rice – 42 mg or 11% of your daily value

Zinc

With zinc being an essential mineral for numerous bodily processes, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough in your diet. Athletes may be particularly at risk of deficiency due its role in muscle recovery – fatigue and a decrease in performance can indicate that more zinc is needed! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get the necessary daily intake; shellfish and meat provide some great sources while plant-based eaters should look towards fortified foods or nuts/beans as alternatives.

How much do you need? men: 11 mg/day, women: 8 mg/day

Get it from:

  • 3 oz oysters – 74 mg or 493% of your daily value
  • 3 oz king crab – 6.5 mg or 43% of your daily value
  • 3 oz beef patty – 5.3 mg or 35% of your daily value
  • 1 serving 25% fortified breakfast cereals – 3.8 mg or 25% of your daily value
  • 3 oz dark meat chicken – 2.4 mg or 16% of your daily value
  • ½ cup baked beans – 2.9 mg or 19% of your daily value
  • 1 ounce cashews – 1.6 mg or 11% of your daily value

Iodine

Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which play a role in metabolism. A deficiency can lead to decreased metabolism and fatigue. Good food sources include seafood and fortified foods.

How much do you need? men and women: 150mcg/day, pregnant women: 220mcg/day, and lactating women 290mcg/day

Get it from: 

    • 3 oz (85 grams) cod – 63–99 mcg, or 42–66% of your daily value
    • 1 cup (8 ounces) milk – 88-168 mcg, or 59–112% of your daily value
    • 1 cup cottage cheese – 65 mcg, or 43% of your daily value
    • 3 oz shrimp – 35 mcg, or 23% of your daily value
    • 1 large egg – 24 mcg, or 16% of your daily value
    • 3 oz tuna  – 17 mcg, or about 11% of your daily value

Potassium

Keeping your body in balance is important for overall health, and potassium plays an essential role. An electrolyte powerhouse, this mineral aids with hydration, recovery and even helps to stave off muscle cramps – especially when you perspire more than usual. Fortunately it’s not hard to get enough of the nutrient; many plant-based foods provide a great source of potassium beyond bananas!

How much do you need? 4,700 mg/day

Get it from:

  • ½ cup dried apricots – 1,101 mg or 31% of your daily value
  • 1 cup lentils – 731 mg or 21% of your daily value
  • ½ cup raisins – 618 mg or 18% of your daily value
  • 1 medium baked potato – 610 mg or 17% of your daily value
  • 1 cup kidney beans – 607 mg or 17% of your daily value
  • 1 cup orange juice – 496 mg or 14% of your daily value
  • 1 medium banana – 422 mg or 12% of your daily value

Vitamin E

Athletes who often participate in endurance and high intensity training may be at an increased risk of developing upper respiratory infections due to the “open window” theory. This suggests that their immune system could become suppressed for multiple hours after exercising, leaving them more vulnerable to infection.

Eating a nutritious diet full of vitamins C & E may help prevent this from occurring; vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant helping lessen physical strain while also improving aerobic fitness levels.

How much do you need? 15 mg/day

Get it from:

  • 1 Tbsp wheat germ oil – 20 mg or 133% of your daily value
  • 1 oz sunflower seeds – 7.4 mg or 50% of your daily value
  • 1 oz almonds – 7 mg or 47% of your daily value
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter – 3 mg or 20% of your daily value
  • ½ cup cooked spinach – 2 mg or 13% of your daily value

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 9 important vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal health and performance. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods in your diet can help ensure that you get an adequate intake of these essential nutrients. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have any concerns about your nutrient intake or if you are considering taking supplements.

10 Surprising Benefits of MK-677 (Ibutamoren): Side Effects, Dosage, Timing (2023)
In Fat Loss, SARMs, Supplementsby

10 Surprising Benefits of MK-677: Side Effects, Dosage Review (2023)

10 Surprising Benefits of MK-677 – here is the low down with full review of the possible side effects, correct dosages and timing.

For serious athletes looking to optimise performance, MK 677 may be the answer. This popular product is a growth hormone secretagogue with powerful effects on one’s IGF-1 and GH levels – two hormones crucial for building strong muscles. Forget SARMs; you need this “secret” agent if you’re ready to take your bodybuilding game up a notch!

What is MK-677?

MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is a powerful growth hormone secretagogue that can help boost muscle tissue development. It has gained popularity in recent years amongst bodybuilders and gym fans for its natural ability to aid in the production of growth hormones without interfering with other biological processes.

MK-677 has been clinically studied and proven to be effective at assisting with hormone deficiencies such as reduced bone density, while at the same time providing short-term anabolic effects.  Additionally, it can also be used as a nootropic agent (a drug or supplement used to improve cognitive functioning), helping users with improved sleep and cognitive function.

How does MK-677 Work?

MK-677 works by binding to receptors in the brain that are responsible for releasing hormones like Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). By doing this, it increases the body’s natural release of these hormones which help to promote healthy fat loss and muscle gain.

For those looking to build muscle or lose weight, this can prove extremely beneficial since GH helps stimulate protein synthesis and IGF-1 helps promote cell growth in muscles; leading to improved athletic performance.

Additionally, since it does not interfere with other biological processes or cause testosterone suppression – unlike other steroids – MK 677 is considered safe for long term use.

MK-677 Dosage and Timing

When taking MK 677, its 24-hour half life should be considered carefully. With an initial spike in growth hormone levels, you may find yourself feeling lethargic and drowsy further down the line. Our suggestion? Split your dose into two or take it all before bed – that way you can power through the day without sacrificing a good night’s rest!

Pumping Iron Ibutamoren (MK-677) 10mg x 60 Capsules
Pumping Iron Ibutamoren (MK-677) 10mg x 60

 

Read on to see the 10 Surprising Benefits of MK-677 making it the best-selling supplement today.

10 Surprising Benefits of MK-677

MK-677 has been coined the ‘fountain of youth’ – and rightfully so! This powerful compound not only aids in cultivating muscle mass and muscular strength; it can also promote overall wellbeing and cognitive function – transforming your body from the inside out. Here are 10 surprising benefits of MK-677:

1. Building Lean Muscle Mass

MK 677 has been suggested to be a powerful stimulant for muscle growth. Studies suggest it can trigger the production of two hormones which act in synergy – growth hormone and IGF-1 from your pituitary gland and liver respectively. This action could lead to an increase in strength, improved recovery time as well as positive changes on body composition (6-8lbs of extra lean mass over 6- 8 weeks based on oral doses).

A study conducted with 24 obese men revealed impressive results such as increased basal metabolic rate upon taking MK677 twice daily for 2 months.

2. Prevents Muscle Catabolism

An exciting study recently revealed that MK 677, a treatment option for reversing muscle wasting and protein loss, brought about remarkable improvements in elderly patients with hip fractures. Even more enthralling was the fact it already demonstrated success when tested on 8 food-deprived volunteers during an intensive double blind control trial – showing great promise as a viable solution to improve physical health.

3. Increases Fat Loss

Growth hormones are probably the only hormone which can help you to burn both visceral AND subcutaneous fat whilst helping you to build up lean muscle mass.

4. Improves Bone Density

Ibutamoren has shown promising evidence in the fight against bone-related conditions. It works by firstly reducing and then increasing turnover rate of bones over a period of 12 months, helping to strengthen them overall.

Studies have seen positive results when taken by obese men as well as elderly participants aged 65 years or more; all showing improved bone health and density – making it an ideal choice for treatment such as osteoporosis. Women too can benefit from this revolutionary new supplement with clinical studies reporting stronger mineral densities post-menopausal women taking MK 677 supplements!

5. Promotes Quality of Sleep

Get a good night’s sleep and gain strength even faster with MK 677, an effective nootropic that may improve both the length and quality of your REM cycle. With its neuroprotective properties supporting heightened cognitive function, take advantage of this supplement for not only better rest but improved health too!

6. Improves Hair, Skin and Nails

MK-677 can do wonders for your skin and hair – even in low doses! Studies have shown that GH has the power to revitalise your complexion whilst also strengthening the hair, skin and nails… giving you a healthier glow.

7. Promotes GH Longevity

After reaching adulthood, our bodies naturally produce less Growth Hormone (GH). To combat this shrinkage of GH levels in elderly men, researchers put 65 participants on a daily dose regimen of MK-677 – the results were staggering. These brave volunteers experienced an increase to their IGF-1 and GH numbers after only a month!

8. Improves Brain Function

MK-677 has the potential to unleash your full cognitive potential. Studies have shown that its two primary functions can drastically improve memory and learning, increase IGF-1 levels, as well as facilitate deep REM sleep – essential for optimal brain health. Take the steps towards better mental power today!

9. Prevent Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children

Studies have demonstrated that MK-677 can effectively boost key hormones in children with hormone deficiencies.

It has the potential to prevent growth issues without interfering with other important bodily functions like insulin, cortisol and thyrotropin production; making it a great treatment option for young people struggling to grow.

However, adults may not be so lucky as research found elevated levels of glucose or insulin when utilising this therapy – meaning further caution is advised before use by those over 18 years old.

10. Speeds up Recovery, Healing and Injury Repair

MK-677 promotes rapid recovery and injury repair by boosting Growth Hormone (GH) levels. This helps rebuild damaged tissues quickly, allowing athletes to get back in the game sooner than expected!

MK-677 Side Effects

MK 677 has become a popular supplement for bodybuilders, gym fanatics, and fitness buffs alike. In theory, it sounds like the perfect supplement – no testosterone suppression, no aromatization, nothing. But is MK 677 entirely safe? Let’s take a look at what you need to know about side effects and dosages before deciding if this is the right supplement for you.

Possible Side Effects of High Dosage

In completely healthy individuals, MK 677 is considered safe. The only possible side effects you may experience are muscle cramps, increased appetite and edema; these usually only crop up when you’ve taken too high a dosage of Ibutamoren. They will naturally disappear once you stop taking MK-677.

Side Effects in Healthy Individuals

When taken in recommended doses (between 10mg-25mg per day), Ibutamoren should be relatively free of side effects for healthy adults who are looking to boost their HGH levels without resorting to injections or other more risky methods such as steroids or growth hormone stimulants.

It should be noted that women tend to require smaller amounts than men due to their lower tolerance level; they should start with 5mg per day and gradually work up from there – never exceeding 25mg per day even if they feel no negative effects.

Insulin Issues in Less Healthy Individuals

Unfortunately, though it is considered safe for most people who use it correctly, those who aren’t 100% healthy may experience insulin issues. Several studies have shown that MK 677 reduces participants’ insulin sensitivity whilst raising their fasting blood glucose and blood pressure levels.

Additionally, some users have reported swollen joints, numb/tingling skin, joint pain, water retention and lethargy as a result of taking Ibutamoren MK 677. These effects are usually caused by high dosages or by those with pre-existing medical conditions taking the supplement without consulting their doctor first.

Conclusion

With its ability to reverse catabolism, increase lean muscle mass, improve sleep quality and cognitive functions; there are plenty of reasons why so many bodybuilders are turning towards this compound as their go-to choice when trying to achieve their desired results from the gym.

Overall, when taken correctly MK 677 can be an incredibly effective way of boosting your HGH levels without any serious side effects – but it isn’t entirely risk free either.

If you are not 100% healthy then there may be some risks associated with taking this supplement so it’s always best to speak with your doctor first before beginning any supplementation plan involving Ibutamoren MK 677 – particularly if you have existing medical conditions which could make taking this product potentially dangerous for your health.

Ultimately though – done correctly – this product can be a great way to increase your natural growth hormone levels and reap all the benefits that come along with that!

Laxogenin: A Natural Anabolic for Lean Muscle Gains
In Supplements, Testosterone Boostersby

Laxogenin: 100% Natural Anabolic for Lean Muscle Gains

Laxogenin is a plant-derived (100% natural) supplement that offers a safe and non-liver-toxic method of gaining muscle mass as well as many all-round benefits to your health and wellbeing. Some of the notable benefits include building lean muscle, promoting fat loss, lowering cortisol levels and enhancing physical performance and recovery.

5 Alpha Hydroxy Laxogenin commonly referred to as “laxo” for short, has been shown to enhance protein synthesis by over 200%! It is structurally similar to ecdysterone, first discovered in Russia. Research has shown that Laxogenin exhibits similar anabolic properties to anabolic steroids such as Anavar; one of the most popular oral anabolic steroids of all time. However, unlike Anavar, Laxogenin exerts its effects without impacting your own body’s hormone levels meaning there is no suppression of testosterone or associated side effects seen with steroid use.

  • Build lean muscle mass
  • Promote fat loss
  • Enhance physical performance
  • Optimise recovery
  • Lowers the stress hormone cortisol (which causes fat storage and muscle breakdown)

 

Is Laxogenin Suppressive?

Laxogenin belongs to a category of plant hormones called brassinosteroids which have a similar structure to animal steroid hormones. However, plant steroids function through a completely different pathway than human steroid hormones and therefore doesn’t affect the endocrine system. It does not convert to the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, nor does it convert to estrogen so you won’t need to worry about any adverse effects such as gynecomastia.

This is the highlight – this compound is completely safe for both men and women alike. The ideal supplement of choice for anyone seeking to avoid negative side effects.

Natural Muscle Building with Laxogenin

Laxogenin was first discovered in plants, from the same family that includes mustard leaves – in that form, it’s almost one of your five a day! It has some of the same properties as Anavar (or Oxandrolone), one of the most popular oral anabolic steroids of all time.

At the moment Laxogenin isn’t mainstream. That’s because most of the research that’s been done has been in the old school USSR. Word gets out though, maybe through weightlifters from back in the day – and those guys knew what they were doing.

Plant brassinosteroids and their synthetic derivatives may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for promoting growth, repair, and maintenance of skeletal muscles.

Benefits of Laxogenin

  • Accelerated recovery
  • Reduction in post-workout muscle soreness
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory effects; helps with joint pains
  • Massive pumps and vascularity
  • Faster gains in strength
  • Improved resistance to physical and mental fatigue
  • Safe for both men and women
  • 100% Natural
  • Doesn’t affect your hormones like testosterone and estrogen
  • Safe for women
  • It acts quickly and combines well with protein supplements
  • Fast-acting – ideal for anyone looking to build muscle and strength quickly
  • Can be stacked with pretty much any other compound
  • Can be used for PCT (post cycle therapy) particularly after a prohormone cycle

Supports Fat Loss

The key to what Laxogenin does isn’t totally clear, but what seems to happen is it knocks back production of cortisol, which is a stress hormone – if your cortisol levels are up you can’t grow or produce muscle. With the brakes on the cortisol, your muscles have more chance to bulk up to support your strength. One great side effect is it makes it hard to gain fat, too.

Get the Most of Your Cycle

Laxogenin can be used in many different ways to optimise results whether you’re on-cycle, off-cycle or running a PCT. Its main advantages are:

  • Stacks well with SARMs and prohormones as it doesn’t affect testosterone and estrogen
  • It’s a great alternative to prohormones if you prefer zero suppression
  • An excellent choice to add to your PCT (post cycle therapy)

Thanks to Laxogenin not messing about with your hormones, you can use it long term without hassle. We’ve seen a growing number of people use it for up to 4 months with great results building muscle, reducing body fat, boosting performance and easing mental fatigue.

Mutagenic Labz Metamorphosiz combines Laxogenin (25mg) with Epicatechin 150mg – take 2 capsules per day for best results. Take it with food for better absorption.

Cardarine GW-501516: A Complete Guide to GW501516
In Fat Loss, SARMs, Supplementsby

Cardarine GW-501516: A Helpful Guide 2019

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the PPAR-delta activator Cardarine (GW-501516), how long it takes to work, the ideal cycle length, safety and vital information you need before you consider adding it to your supplement regime.

A lot of the compounds we write about at PumpingIron.com are SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators). This article is about something a little different, although often classed into the same category. GW501516 can help burn fat, boost metabolism, increase training endurance and protect muscle tissue but it isn’t actually a SARM. It’s a non-hormonal PPAR-delta activator which doesn’t work on the androgen capacitors at all.

If you’re curious about Cardarine, here’s everything you need to know and if we haven’t covered something, simply e-mail us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!

Is Cardarine (GW-501516) a SARM?

As we said, Cardarine isn’t actually a SARM (anyone who tells you it is doesn’t know what they’re talking about). A SARM activates androgen receptors in muscles and other tissue. Cardarine is a PPAR-delta activator but it can produce results similar to those of SARMs.

Background Information

The best way to understand what to expect from a compound is to look at why it was developed (and what was discovered by researchers). GW501516 was originally developed by a drug company in the 1990s as a way to prevent tumours (especially on the colon and prostate). But there were some surprising discoveries.

During their studies into increased endurance and fat burning, the researchers began to understand more about the PPAR-delta pathway. They realised that activation of this pathway had an astounding impact on muscle growth, endurance and energy whilst decreasing blood lipids and subcutaneous fat. And – you guessed it – the compound GW-501516 can bind to this PPAR-delta pathway.

It turned out Cardarine could help reduce body fat, boost metabolic rate, improve the strength of blood vessels. This has a positive impact on cardiovascular health, increases muscle growth rate and even reduces recovery time. We’ll go into these factors in greater depth later in this article.

One thing we need to make clear: Cardarine is not currently sold for human consumption. It is classed as a ‘research compound’, sold for research purposes only.

How Long Does Cardarine Take to Work?

It’s important to understand how the Cardarine works in the body. Like we’ve already said, it binds to PPAR-delta in muscle cells and it stimulates certain genes which facilitate the body’s use of energy. Once you know that, you can see how it can boost your metabolic rate, improve physical performance and even help burn more fat (whilst increasing and protecting muscle mass).

You’ll notice the effects almost instantly; timing one of your dosages about thirty minutes before a high-intensity training session is an ideal protocol. The difference in energy, endurance and stamina will be noticeable almost immediately.

Burn Fat & Recover Faster with GW-501516

How exactly does Cardarine burn body fat? It’s not as simple as just torching fat right off your body. It starts with preventing the formation of fatty acids chains which, in turn, stops your body actually storing fat. This means your body needs to tap into your subcutaneous fat stores for energy – just like when you diet. But there’s one big difference to when you burn body fat by dieting. GW-501516 has those sought-after anti-catabolic properties, which means you get leaner without losing valuable muscle tissue.

What about boosting recovery between training sessions? It seems Cardarine can help your muscle fibres (specifically the slow-twitch fibres) use oxygen more efficiently, and this can help improve rates of recovery between training. It can also mean better endurance during training sessions. Good news if you train for hypertrophy, with a lower-load and higher-rep style of training.

Cardarine & Bodybuilding

You can already guess that this is an attractive compound for bodybuilders with its potential for muscle gain, training recovery and fat burning. (Side note: it’s also getting a lot of interest with the nootropics crowd.)

Cardarine could be used by itself or with other compounds as a cycle; you can stack it with prohormones, SARMs or other fat-burners. You can also use it to bridge between cycles or throughout a PCT (post cycle therapy) phase. Either way, it should be cycled for best results. Plan your cycle length for 8-12 weeks before having a 4-8 week break.

GW501516 has a half-life of 12-24 hours so you can decide whether to split your dose or to take it once per day. A dosage of 10mg-20mg per day is recommended.

Stacking Cardarine with Other Compounds

Cardarine can be used as a standalone supplement but is often stacked with other compounds. Most commonly, it has great synergistic effects with MK-677, RAD-140, Ostarine, LGD-3303 and Andarine.

It can also be used to combat negative side-effects of some anabolics (such as Trenbolone) and address potential lipid health issues. Cardarine is beneficial during PCT because it can lessen your chances of a fat-regain or rebound after running a steroid or prohormone cycle.

7 Things You Need To Know About Cardarine

#1 Fat Burner

It boosts your body’s fat-burning capacity by stimulating glucose and activating the ABCA1 and CPT1 fat-burning genes. Interestingly, there was a human study done on Cardarine’s potential for receding fatty acids, VLDL proteins and triglycerides (human studies on Cardarine are pretty rare, so it’s worth a look at this one).

#2 Training Endurance

It can stimulate the body’s glucose uptake, encouraging your body to use glucose as its primary fuel source. This means you get more energised for training and can train harder for longer. Since Cardarine can activate PPAR-delta pathways, it can also improve strength endurance. This 2015 study (on mice) suggests Cardarine can increase the specific muscle fibres associated with peak training performance.

#3 Lean Gains

It is a popular choice for stacking with SARMs and other compounds to protect lean muscle tissue whilst dieting to get shredded. As we’ve said, it can help burn body fat without the problem of losing muscle mass or looking over-dieted and scrawny.

#4 Brain Health

It can have a positive effect on blood vessels (see #5) and this means protection for your brain blood vessels (plus more blood to the brain). You might also like to know PPAR activators are thought to boost nerve cell development of nerve cells.

#5 Cardiovascular Health

It can prevent oxidative damage to blood vessels, helping reduce build-up in the arteries and (most exciting for bodybuilders) increasing your nitric oxide (NO) levels. This could mean Cardarine may reduce inflammation and associated tissue damage – a key factor in recovery and muscle growth during hypertrophy.

#6 Liver & Kidney Health

MCP-1 activity is a key factor in kidney disease and Cardarine can reduce this activity. Additionally, Cardarine acts directly on your liver (a powerhouse for storing fats for fuel in the body), using PPAR-delta activation to use fatty acids for energy. Cardarine could even reduce the body’s production of IL-6 and thereby prohibit insulin resistance.

#7 Muscle fibres

Activating PPAR-delta also means Cardarine can encourage better muscle fibre development. This means increased training endurance and the potential for greater muscle growth.

Choosing & Using Cardarine GW-501516

The bottom line is that Cardarine GW501516 is not currently legal for human consumption so it is sold for research purposes. Not for training, cutting, bulking, or bodybuilding.

You also need to bear in mind that Cardarine is banned for any tested bodybuilding competitions (yes, even trace amounts found accidentally in another product). At the moment, almost all the (limited) research on Cardarine GW501516 is on animals.

Don’t risk wasting your money on cheap, fake dupes!

One of the best selling products Mutagenic Labz Amalgamation combines a blend of GW-501516 and SR-9009, a very effective fat-loss combo. If you’re not keen on Cardarine just yet, Check out Mutagenic Labz Assimilation – our safe, legal and insanely effective GDA (Glucose Disposal Agent) to help you get leaner and build more muscle faster.

Disclaimer: By publishing this post we are not recommending using GW501516. It’s our duty to inform and educate you on all compounds. All of the information we have given here can be corroborated by published scientific reviews and literature. We recommend Mutagenic Labz Assimilation.

The Best Epicatechin Dosage for Bodybuilding (2019)
In Testosterone Boosters, Natural Muscle Building, Supplementsby

The Best Epicatechin Dosage for Bodybuilding (Updated 2023)

Wondering about the best Epicatechin dosage for bodybuilding? In the bodybuilding world, we talk about a lot of chemicals. From SARMs to prohormones, peptides and everything in between. Yet somewhere down the line after all the benefits we nearly always hear the term side effects. Well, not today guys… because epicatechin (also known as epicat) really is one of the good guys. What is it and is it really any good?

What is Epicatechin?

Epicatechin is a flavonol, a type of flavonoid found in many plants including tea, cocoa, and apples. It is a natural antioxidant and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on athletic performance and muscle growth.

What are the sources of Epicatechin?

Epicatechin is found in a variety of plant-based foods, including tea, cocoa, apples, grapes, berries, and nuts. It is most abundant in dark chocolate and cocoa products.

Benefits of Epicat

Epicatechin has been studied for its potential health benefits, which include its ability to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance athletic performance. It may also have neuroprotective properties and help prevent certain types of cancer.

Don’t let its humble origins fool you, epicat is one serious bioactive. Over the years numerous studies have proved time and time again that Epicatechin can enhance muscle growth and strength as well as improving vascularity, blood flow and stamina.

Other benefits include its ability to boost the production of nitric oxide and increasing the sensitivity of insulin. All of which adds up to promoting muscle growth and burning fat. One study has found that daily supplementation with Epicatechin also increases endurance levels.

One of its most notable features, Epicatechin has powerful antioxidant properties which mean Epicat is a natural collateral leveller and has also been linked to improved brain function and healthier hearts.

Epicatechin for Muscle Growth

Epicatechin has been shown to stimulate the production of follistatin, a protein that inhibits myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. This inhibition of myostatin can lead to increased muscle growth and improved athletic performance.

How does Epicat Work?

Studies suggest that epicat is a natural myostatin inhibitor. Myostatin is a protein which effectively governs the limits of muscle growth. The magic comes from follistatin which is known to affect the levels of myostatin in the body and research indicates that it increases the body’s follistatin level.
In short, epicat reduces the effectiveness of myostatin and less effective myostatin means more muscle.

Is Epicatechin safe for consumption?

Epicatechin is generally considered safe for consumption when consumed in moderate amounts through food sources. However, there is not enough research on the safety of Epicatechin supplements, and long-term use of  high epicatechin dosage may have adverse effects.

Epicatechin Dosage for Bodybuilding

It’s safe to take a decent amount of epicat and studies suggests that the most effective Epicatechin dosage ratio of 2mg per kg. The highest density of naturally concurring epicatechin comes from pure cocoa at 3mg per gram.

Obviously, it’s going to be hard to get that sort of levels just by eating chocolate, although it might be nice to try, so supplements are clearly the way to go. From previous trials, users who were taking daily epicatechin dosage between 150-200mg have reported optimum results in terms of general fitness, muscle building and endurance, which suggests that this would be the best epicatechin dosage to aim for.

How long does it take to see the effects of Epicatechin?

The effects of Epicatechin may vary depending on individual factors such as age, sex, and baseline fitness level. However, studies have shown that improvements in athletic performance and muscle growth may be observed after 2-4 weeks of supplementation.

Can Epicatechin help with Fat Loss?

Epicatechin may have some weight loss benefits due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in promoting weight loss.

Does Epicat Really Have No Side Effects?

Despite numerous studies and countless research projects, science has yet to directly link a single negative effect on the use of epicatechin. In fact, if anything the opposite is true. A 2007 Harvard University study demonstrated that it lowered the risk of mortality from Diabetes, Strokes, Cancer and Heart disease by 10%. Be sure to use the recommended Epicatechin dosage to avoid any potential side effects.

Epicat is Safe for Women

One of the best things about epicat is the fact that it’s beneficial for both men and women alike. Unlike so many other muscle-building supplements, it’s not hormone-based and can produce great effects regardless of chromosomes, however, it is always best to use the correct epicatechin dosage for optimal results.

Pumping Iron Epicat/Laxogenin (Natty Blend)
Pumping Iron Epicat/Laxogenin (Natty Blend)

 

Pumping Iron Epicat/Laxogenin (Natty Blend)

The Pumping Iron Natty Blend is a combination of Epicat and Laxogenin. The product is natural and can be used by both men and women and can also be a great product to stack during PCT to help keep hard-earned muscle gains. See our Guide To PCT for some helpful tips.

  • 100% Natural
  • Massive pumps and vascularity
  • Can be used by both men and women
  • Best-selling natural muscle builder
  • Shown to increase in protein synthesis and muscle recovery
  • Boost strength and muscle mass
  • Comparable to the effects of SARMs but without impacting your hormones
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory effects; helps with joint pains
  • Increases endurance

In conclusion

Epicatechin is the real deal. However, it is worth noting that results from Epicat won’t quite be on the same level as you’d expect from SARMs but it will certainly give you the edge you’re looking for. An organic bioactive substance that has no known side effects (if using the correct epicatechin dosage), promotes muscle, improves stamina and blood flow and has even been proven to protect against death itself… what’s not to love? Oh, and did we mention you can get it in chocolate?

Fat Burners that Actually Work
In Supplementsby

Fat Burners that Actually Work

When you want to get into the best possible shape, fat burners can give the extra edge you need when everything else is in place. If your diet, training and recovery are refined, adding a little extra something might just be the push that you need. Here we’ll take a look at how these supplements actually work, how to use them effectively and their main benefits.

Fat burners are designed to do precisely what their name suggests – target and mobilise fat cells, to burn fat more rapidly. If you’re carrying more weight than you’d like in the form of fat, these nutritional supplements increase energy expenditure and fat metabolism while impairing the absorption of fat, boosting weight loss and increasing fat oxidation while you exercise. So, let’s take a closer look at how these supplements work for your benefit.

How Do Fat Burners Work?

There are several ingredients in fat burners which will stimulate a hormonal reaction in your body to break down fat and use it as a source of fuel. They cannot work effectively on their own, however; you have to eat a healthy diet designed for bodybuilding so that the fat burner can work to its maximum effect. When you eat for fat loss, you’ll find that these supplements help your body to burn extra calories all day long.

What Are Reasonable Expectations From a Fat Burner?

Although fat burners are scientifically proven to work, it’s important to have a reasonable expectation of what these supplements can achieve. They won’t melt an enormous amount of fat every week. However, you can enhance the rate at which you lose fat. It’s considered safe to lose around 1 to 3 pounds every week. If you lose weight more quickly than this, you run the risk of losing lean muscle mass – disastrous in bodybuilding terms.

Start Out Low

Although fat burners are specifically designed to support your fat loss, taking a larger amount of them won’t give you greater results. Make sure to check out the serving guideline so you can measure out the correct dose for your needs. Start with the lowest dosage on the packaging for a couple of weeks before increasing your serving.

How To Cycle Fat Burners

No fat burner will give results continuously. When you use them over an extended period, your tolerance level will go up and they will stop working as effectively. This is why cycling your fat burner supplement is so important. Use your fat burner for around 4 to 6 weeks and then take a break for a couple of weeks before recommencing taking the supplement at a lower dose.

Optimise Your Training

When you’re using fat burners, make building muscle your priority. You need a training programme which will maximise your fat loss at the same time as minimising the amount of muscle you lose. This will ensure you maintain a healthy body composition while boosting your muscle growth.

Don’t Cut Too Many Calories

Although you should consume fewer calories than you manage to burn, going too low is always a mistake. Restricting your calorie intake won’t lead to predictable weight loss and it certainly isn’t a sustainable or healthy way to shed fat.

Take Care With Stimulants

Some fat burners contain stimulants while others do not. Products which have a high caffeine level will make you feel energetic, but they can disturb your sleep quality and that can lead to higher fat gain. It’s important to choose the right product for you, and if you drink a lot of coffee or take other stimulants, it’s usually best to choose a stimulant-free fat burner.

Our best selling stimulant-based fat burner is Yamamoto® Nutrition Ai-BURN®. This premium quality fat burner is a dietary supplement that assists a calorie-controlled diet for optimal fat loss. Thanks to its plant extracts, the product promotes a stable body weight (Green Tea) and metabolic stimulation, particularly of lipids (Bitter Orange). Moreover, cocoa extract supports metabolism and plays a tonic function.

Stimulant-Free Fat Burners

If stimulants aren’t your thing, there are non-stim options such as the MyoBlox Rubix Fat Burner. Rubix™ works on multiple facets of fat loss to aid in improved metabolism and fat utilisation without caffeine or any other stimulant. It boosts metabolism and regulates insulin levels, suppresses appetite and supports fat loss from multiple pathways.

The Olympus Labs Assassinate is another best-selling non-stimulant fat burner that helps to reduce your appetite, prevents the storage of new fat cells and stimulates your metabolism. Assass1nate also doubles as a glucose disposal agent, which helps you to utilize your food as fuel instead of storing it as fat, especially your carbs. So make sure to take it with your carb-heavy meals.

What are the Best Fat Burners?

There are a number of ingredients found in fat burners, however, SARMs have been found to be some of the most effective compounds for fat loss on the market.

Similarly, PPAR-delta activator Cardarine can boost your body’s fat-burning capacity by stimulating glucose and activating the ABCA1 and CPT1 fat-burning genes, which shows superb results such as this human study on Cardarine’s potential for receding fatty acids, VLDL proteins and triglycerides.

Another highly effective compound often used for shedding the fat is Stenabolic SR-9009. Often categorised as a SARM, Stenabolic is a REV-ERB agonist that shows a considerable boost in fat-loss and endurance.

MK-677 (Nutrobal) is also very effective for fat loss but some may suffer from an increased appetite for the first week or two, so discipline is critical.

Summary

There are many excellent fat burning supplements available to help you achieve your bodybuilding goals, but always make sure to buy from reputable online retailers to ensure that you are getting the high-quality product that you’re paying for.

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