When it comes to performance and muscle-building, you don't need to look any further than Mother Nature's medicine cabinet. Some of the most effective supplements on the market are actually natural compounds found in foods. Here are two heavy hitters:
This organic acid is produced naturally in the human body and found in foods like red meat and fish. As a supplement, creatine has been shown to increase lean muscle mass, strength, and exercise capacity. It allows you to push harder and recover faster between sets by rapidly replenishing ATP (energy) stores in the muscle. Creatine is one of the most researched and effective muscle-building supplements out there.
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine - essential amino acids that must come from our diet. They make up about 35% of our muscle protein. Supplementing with BCAAs intra-workout can reduce muscle protein breakdown, increase protein synthesis, and support muscle recovery and growth. BCAAs are also used as an energy source during exercise to fight fatigue.
Both creatine and BCAAs are safe, legal, and naturally anabolic compounds that can level up your training. They're produced in small amounts but supplementing helps max out their performance and muscle-building benefits. Add these natural power-boosters to your regimen!