It is no secret that losing weight is a winwin situation for everyone. Provided ofcourse that he or she is overweight.

: ) Now losing weight if you are overweight obese or just carrying some pounds is a beneficial change provided that you do it right. Which means Crash diet is out! WHAT IS WEIGHT LOSS Although weight loss is a complex and long process it is generally accepted that caloric deficit for a while will lead to weight loss and vice versa for weight gain. Although how exactly the process works is still a mystery. There are also other causes of weight gain and loss such as hormones, aging and diet. But we shall focus on supplements that cause weight loss. Now that we have accepted that caloric deficit can lead to weight loss we must find out how we can accelerate the process of burning fat which happens when your body needs calories but doesnt have it in form of food. THE HOWS OF WEIGHT LOSS Exercises are a preferred method of creating caloric deficit . Many people indulge in the worst diet possible in hopes that a few more steps on the treadmill will cover it. Now this is completely wrong. Not only exercise is a lengthy and largely unfruitful process on its own it actually takes a long time to create any type of caloric deficit through exercising. To create a caloric deficit you will have to do a lot of exercises which puts two constraints on anybody. First is time and second is endurance. Most people will just not have the physical capacity or mental willingness to go through such dread. And even if you do the results will be so unsatisfactory that it will discourage you from the weight loss idea altogether. Fortunately there is a better way to do this: not that exercises are not recommended but they cant solve anything on its own. Firstly you must cut out on your food size. Dont ever ever starve yourself. It is counter productive and once you starve yourself your body goes into reserve mode and will not shed fat easily because it is the only source of food for the body. Avoid every white product you can imagine. Dairy, rice , fruits and noodles. Say no to them for the entirety of your weight loss plan. Secondly you must consider some weight loss ingredients for your body and to accelerate the process of loss. Remember white is out dark is in! And the usual advice of eating on time and avoiding fatty foods but try to get good fat from lean meat and nuts such as almonds ,walnut etc. Avoid sugar in all forms including fruits. WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENTS:

Protein Supplements: Protein supplements are helpful because they turn fat into muscle tissue. Protein supplements builds muscles . Think of an element which magically turns fat into Adonis muscles and you have protein supplements as the answer. Protein supplements will also help you feel full reducing your appetite. And it will increase your metabolism rate and calory burn as your body will work harder to transform the protein into muscle. Calcium supplements: Calcium supplements users lose their weight quickly than those on placebo. Although the results are still not conclusive it can be said that taking calcium supplements improves health and leads to weight loss. And also since you will be cutting down on dairy products and other sources of calcium it is common sense to take them in supplements. Vegetables: Yep those good old vegetables that look green and taste bland. Take plenty of vegetables with a glass or five of tasty water and you will have enough incentive for your body to lose weight. Always be hydrated an eat vegetables as they contain all the nutritional elements but no fat. Reduce grains and meat in your diet and substitute with vegetables so that you dont stay hungry.

Why Herbal Supplements are good for you Herbal supplements also known as botanicals are supplements derived from plants and herbs. These supplements are of many type and have different uses. Herbal supplements contain many plants, flavors and scent. Herbal supplements are also used as medicine in some medical systems. But today they are mainly used as therapeutic Supplements. Herbal supplements are gaining new round today as people want to use them for their natural ingredients instead of taking pharmaceutical pills. It has been well-established that taking herbal supplements along with other healthy habits such as exercise and diet can lead to longer healthier life. People use herbal supplements to promote wellbeing and for treatment. Herbal supplements mainly contain largely natural elements such as plants, leaves and seeds or fruits. A popular example of herbal supplements that is widely used is green tea. People use it for their drink instead of black tea or coffee. Herbal supplements will contain many elements of the plant. Or they will contain only one element and they will create the desired therapeutic effect. Herbal supplements come in all

forms. They may be taken internally as pills or powders, dissolved into tinctures or syrups, or brewed in teas and decoctions. Salves, ointments, shampoos, or poultices may be applied to the skin, scalp, or mucous membranes. There are mainly two types of herbal supplements: Whole herbal supplements: These contain the roots, leaves and stems of the plants. Herbal extracts: These are without the ingredients of the plant and come in two subcategories: With plant fiber and without plant fiber. Ayurveda the Ancient Indian branch of medicine uses herbs only instead of pharmaceutical drugs and stresses using herbs such as turmeric , Ginger, basil. Although herbs are natural they are not 100% safe. And herbal supplements dont have to go through the same regulatory approval process that pharmaceuticals do. Instead of being sold as medicine they are sold as dietary supplements. But Herbal supplements do contain elements that will have an effect on your body. Many times the effect can be adverse when taken in combination with other supplements or medicine. Consulting your doctor especially if you are ill or pregnant is necessary. Analyses of herbal supplements have found discrepancies between what is on the label and inside the bottle. That is why herbal supplements get a bad name because many products do not actually contain the element they claim. The FDA requires that the following information be included on the labels of all herbal supplements:

The name of the herbal supplement The name and address of manufacturer or distributor A complete list of ingredients either in the Supplement Facts panel or listed beneath it Serving size, amount and active ingredient

List of herbal supplements: ,Alfalfa ,Aloe vera ,Arnica ,Ashwagandha ,Astragalus ,Barberry ,Bilberry,Bitter melon,Black cohosh ,Black walnut ,Blessed thistle ,Boswellia ,Burdock root ,Calendula ,Cascara sagrada bark ,Catnip ,Cat's claw ,Cayenne pepper ,Celery seed ,Chamomile ,Chickweed ,Comfrey,Cranberry,Damiana ,Dandelion ,Devil's claw ,Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) ,Echinacea ,Elderberry ,Eucalyptus ,Evening primrose oil ,Eyebright ,Fenugreek,Feverfew,Garlic ,Ginge ,Ginkgo biloba ,Ginseng ,Goldenseal ,Gotu kola ,Grape seed extract ,Green tea ,Guarana,Guggul (commiphora mukul)

,Hawthorn ,Hops ,Horse chestnut ,Horsetail ,Juniper berry ,Kava kava ,Lavende ,Lemon balm ,Licorice ,Lobelia,Ma Huang (ephedra),Maitake mushroom,Milk thistle ,Motherwort,Mullein ,Myrrh ,Stinging nettle ,Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) ,Olive leaf extract ,Passion flower,Pau d'Arco ,Peppermint, Psyllium ,Red clover ,Reishi mushroom (Lizhi) ,Rhodiola rosea ,Rosemary ,Saw palmetto ,Slippery elm ,Spirulina ,St John's Wort ,Tea tree oil ,Valerian , Vitex (chasteberry) ,Wild yam ,Wormwood,Yohimbe (yohimbine)

Bodybuilding supplements and how they work Bodybuilding supplements are used by people engaged in bodybuilding or athletic activities. People take these bodybuilding supplements to improve their athletic performance and or ad mass and strength to their muscles and overall body. One might ask why these bodybuilding supplements are needed and what functions do they perform when consumed. Well you are in good luck. Because I am gonna tell you all about this 3 Billion $ industry. The body when it is stressed produces hormones, Weightlifting leads to sore and broken muscles. When you supply those muscles with supplements such as creatin they enable muscle rejuvenation and rebuilding which leads to a better stronger muscle. Bodybuilding supplements are essential if one has to cross a certain threshold or to substitute dietary limits such as vegetarianism or food allergies. This idea of taking supplements might seem modern but its not. Athletes in Greece used to consume large amounts of meat. They figured it out that meat and muscle production are correlated. Clever bunch! Eugene Sandow , probably the first modern bodybuilder as they are known today advocate dieting habits to improve bodys performance ,stamina and shape. People started marketing protein products as bodybuilding supplements in the early 60s and they are still used today. Today the market is saturated by all kinds of products such as protein shakes, energy drinks, powders , creatin, whey products and anabolic steroids which a re illegal to use if you are a professional athlete. Not only that anabolic steroids are actually quite harmful. But that is a post for another day. Most supplements today are all about protein as It is the most basic element of muscle plus taking protein also reduces fat in ones body that is why many bodybuilding products can also be used as weightless products. If a body consumes protein it has to burn fat to metabolize protein and the protein intake turns into nonfat muscle.

There are various types of bodybuilding supplements: Protein Supplements : Protein supplements are generally made of whey which is a byproduct of cheese production and contains large amounts of protein. Whey protein is the most widely used and preferred type of protein. Although whey protein supplements cant be used by those suffering from lactose intolerance. Creatine supplements : Creatine is produced naturally in the body. Creatine is a natural byproduct of the human body and it is used by the body to produce quick energy. Creatine increases the cell voluminazation of the body that is it retains and increases the water in muscle cells. Red meat and fish are good diet sources of creatine. People use creatine supplements to increase the natural levels of creatine in the body and create more energy and endurance for weightlifting or heavy work. This supplement comes in powder, liquid and pill form and cane also be used by people who are low on energy through disease or aging. Creatine is generally sold in two forms: Creatine monohydrate and creatine ethylester. The difference among these is of price and dosage.

Glutamine supplements : Glutamine supplements will help and add to the existing muscle mass and just like any amino acid and it will help with protein synthesis That is the creation of protein in the body. Glutamine is produced by the body and is also found in dairy products and meat. Glutamine increases the Human growth hormone levels, aides in healing physical injuries and adds endurance. Essential fatty acids supplements or EFA supplements : Human body needs certain fatty acid supplements that can only be consumed and not created within. Only two EFAs are known for humans: alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Fatty acid are necessary to produce hormones, regulate mood and central nervous system and formation of cells. They prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses. EFA are generally found in seeds such a sunflower seeds or soya and fish. Essential fatty acids supplements are also used to treat depression.

Multivitamins Supplements : Much like any other vitamin supplements, multivitamin supplements are used for rounding off the diet, filling any deficiency and to promote general well being. The effects of multivitamins are those of its vitamins such as vitamin D helps with bones, vitamin A helps with vision and digestion.

Vitamins are a group of organic food substances or nutrients found only in living things, plants and animals. Vitamins were discovered by Dutch physician, Christiaan Eijkmann, who won the 1929 Nobel prize in physiology and medicine. There are basically tow types of vitamins: Fat soluble and Water soluble. Fat soluble are dissolved in fat while water soluble are dissolved in water. . fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Water soluble vitamins are folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamins are an essential ingredient for normal health and function of the human body. Vitamins play a part in all three systems: Immune, hormone and Nervous system. That is why vitamins are important to the body. Functions of Vitamins: Vitamins perform multiple functions in human body. They improve the immune system. Regulate the hormones and formulate the hormones in the body. Specific vitamins perform their own role.: Vitamin A (fat-soluble)

Vitamin A is found in : Dairy products, eggs, liver. Can be converted by the body from the beta-carotene found in green vegetables, carrots and liver. Vitamin A: Maintains the health of the epithelium and acts on the retina's dark adaptation mechanism.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) (water-soluble)

Vitamin B1 is found in : Yeast, egg yolk, liver, wheatgerm, nuts, red meat and cereals Vitamin B1: Carbohydrate metabolism

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) (water-soluble)

Riboflavin is found in : Dairy products, liver, vegetables, eggs, cereals, fruit, yeast Riboflavin: Intracellular metabolism

Vitamin B12 (water-soluble)

Vitamin B12 is found in : Liver, red meat, dairy products and fish

Vitamin B12: Essential for manufacturing of genetic material in cells. Involved in the production of erythrocytes

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (water-soluble)

Vitamin C is found in : Green vegetables and fruit Vitamin C : Essential for the maintenance of bones, teeth and gums, ligaments and blood vessels. It is also necessary for ensuring a normal immune response to infection

Vitamin D (fat-soluble)

Vitamin D is found in : Fish liver oils, dairy produce. Vitamin D is formed in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight Vitamin D : Has a role in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for the maintenance of healthy bones

Vitamin E (fat-soluble)

Vitamin E is found in: Pure vegetable oils; wheatgerm, wholemeal bread and cereals, egg yoke, nuts sunflower seeds Vitamin E: Protects tissues against damage; promotes normal growth and development; helps in normal red blood cell formation

Vitamin K (fat-soluble)

Vitamin K is found in: Green vegetables Vitamin K: Used by the liver for the formation of prothrombin

Deficiency of vitamins: The deficiency of vitamins can lead to many conditions based on the lack of the specific vitamin :

Vitamin K Deficiency: Bleeding due to delayed clotting times caused by lack of clotting factors. Patients may show signs of bruising easily and have nosebleeds. Vitamin E Deficiency: May cause muscular dystrophy Vitamin D Deficiency: Rickets Vitamin C Deficiency: Scurvy Vitamin B12 Deficiency: anaemia Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Deficiency: Painful tongue and fissures to the corners of the mouth, chapped lips

Vitamin B1 Deficiency: Fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite; severe deficiency can lead to beri-beri Vitamin A Deficiency: Keratinisation of the nasal and respiratory passage ,epithelium, night blindness

Daily intake; The daily recommended intake of each vitamin is referenced below:

Vitamin A 900 g Vitamin B1 1.2 mg Vitamin B12 2.4 mg Vitamin B6 1.31.7 mg Vitamin B7 400 g Vitamin C 90.0 mg Vitamin D 5.0 g10 g Vitamin E 15.0 mg Vitamin K 120 ug (ug= microgram , MG=milligram)

Overdose: Overdose of vitamins is rare and not serious. Nausea ,vomiting and diarrhea are noted. But the side effects go away when the intake of vitamins is stopped. Supplements: Vitamin supplements are a growing industry as they fulfill a big demand and are regulated as dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements supply us with all the vitamins needed in forms such as pills, powder or liquid to fulfill any deficiency left from the diet.

Weight loss is the process of losing weight from the body. It generally occurs when a person spends more calories than his calorie intake. Weight management is a huge issue. With 1/3 of all Americans being overweight and almost the entire world suffering from obesity, blood pressure, heart diseases, weight loss is not just about looking good but it quite literally is a matter of life and death. We have all seen the ads about the belts, the pills or joined gyms after gyms to lose weight but losing weight is still a pipedream for many. That is where weight loss supplements come in. Now noone needs to tell you how bad obesity is. It leads to heart attack the number one cause of death worldwide. It severely defects your overall health. It reduces your mental wellbeing. Leaves you with a weaker immune system. Heck it even lowers your social standing. Casues of weight gain: Weight gain is caused by many reasons such as: Hormonal changes Aging Overeating Bad lifestyle which includes bad diet and lack of exercise. Medication

Weight loss products are about generating more effect on your diet or exercises and accelerate the losing process. No supplement alone can make you lose weight. The reason most weight loss supplements get a bad name is because people are either fooled by hypermarketing claims or leave the responsibility of losing weight on the supplement and not on them. Leading to disappointing results.

Remember the only thin that will make you lose weight on its own is a costly and dangerous liposuction procedure. And if you are suffering from any conditions no doctor will allow you to go under one. So apart form yoga ,exercise and eating pale tasting vegetables what can one do to lose weight? There are two type pf supplements for weight loss: Dietary supplements and prescribed drugs. In the prescription drug category, there are basically three choices, Xenical (orlistat), Meridia (sibutramine), and phentermine. Xenical reduces fat from the body by absorbing it. It also absorbs many nutrients and hence is usually taken with multivitamin supplements. The remaining two drugs manage weight loss by reducing ones appetite. Although these drugs do have some side effects such as depression, insomnia, irritability and nervousness. Most of these drugs are prescribed by doctors who believe that their patient might need them instead of just reducing food intake and exercise and a good diet. The doctors usually prescribe them for 4-6 weeks.

Dietary weight loss supplements: These supplements are considered as dietary supplements. They are not regulated by the FDA and generally available without prescription. People generally by these products instead of the pharmaceutical ones because most are natural and have less side effects.

Ma Huang: Increases metabolic rate and burns fat and calories faster. Chromium polynicotinate: generates thermogenresis AKA fat burning without any effort and metabolizes fat.

St. John's Wort: Also used for depression. Increases serotonin and reduces appetite. Glucosamine: Blocks insulin from forming fat. Growth hormone (GH): Reduces insulin levels and promotes fat loss.

5-hydroxytryptophan: Increases leptin which regulates appetite .

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA):, HCA reduces appetite and regulates carbs from being stored in the body.

Chitosan: Is a plant fiber that can absorb fat and reduce overall fat in the body. It absorbs fat and oils many times its weight and promotes weight loss.

Dietary minerals are chemical elements required by people to make their body function properly. Some major minerals are calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and iodine. Most of these minerals are commonly available in the nature to man and some are available in the ocean such as iodine and sodium. Most humans consume these minerals through food such as vegetables, ingredients such as salt and many other products such as potatoes which are big on starch, red meat which is big on zinc. This mineral regulate many functions in the body for example, calcium builds and sustain bones, heals fractures and is needed for heart and digestion. There are two types of minrals required by the human body: Major minrals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine. They are needed in the amounts of atleast 100 mg per day. Trace minerals are needed in less than 100 mg amounts daily. Trace minerals are: iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc.

Minerals perform many functions in the body such as: Make bones. Build tissues. Regulate liver.

Manufacture enzymes. Physical and mental development. Body growth Helping the immune system Maintaining water levels in the body Maintaining teeth When the volume of minerals goes down in the body it creates amny health problems such as: Hypokalemia , hypochloremia, hyponatremia , zinc deficiency , anemia , iodine deficiency.

Mineral supplements: It might be possible that a diet or lifestyle may prevent someone from fully having all the minerals required. In this case a simple mineral supplement or a specific one for example a calcium supplement is taken to fulfill the deficiency. For example a lactose intolerant person might take calcium supplements since he/she cant consume milk. The main product for calcium.

Excess Minerals: Since all minerals interact with each other and are only needed for specific functions they might create problems if taken excessively. For example excessive calcium intake migh create problems such as stones. Each individual mineral creates its own problems when taken excessively. Although listing all the problems associated with excessive mineral intake here is not possible as each mineral has its own condition and symptoms. One must refer to a doctor if he/she finds symptoms that are consistent with excessive mineral intake.

We have all heard about the tales of hormones. From female menstruation cycles and the mood swings associated with it to the male aggressiveness that is blamed on testosterone. But what exactly is an hormone and what does it do.

A hormone is a chemical released by a cell or gland in an person that affects the entire organism of the body. Great number of hormones have been identified in the human body and have been found to be secreted by a number of different organs. Hormones regulate the digestive system, growth, hunger, thirst, blood glucose and cholesterol levels, fat burning and storage, absorption and excretion, internal clocks such as day and night cycles, menstrual cycles, and sex drive. There are two types of hormones with regards to their transmission in the body. Endocrine : Which are released directly into the bloodstream. Example: Exocrine: Release hormones into ducts and cells to cells which then goes into the bloodstream. Example: Exocrine glands include sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands, stomach, liver, pancreas. Hormones are generally found in testes, ovaries and glands. A normal healthy body will generate all the hormones it needs and wont need outside intervention like in the case of vitamins or protein. Unless a condition occurs this requires manual dosage of hormones from outside the body. For example, many people are given testosterone if their levels are to low. Generally it is not wise to take hormone supplements if you are normal and healthy. How hormones work: Hormones after being released travel around freely in the body, until it is recognized by a target cell. Hormone signaling and response is a difficult process to understand and predict as each organ reacts differently to organs. Hormone then binds with the associated protein receptor in the cell and after that a cell might have different pathways for the hormone or a common pathway for all the hormones. Effects of hormones: Hormones regulate mood, libido, increase of decrease the immune system, raise or lower the stress levels, create a flight or fight response, aid in metabolism, control the reproductive cycle and create the gender specific changes in the body after childhood.

List of hormones: Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) helps with urination and kidneys.

Corticotropin (ACTH) Reduces nflammation. Luteinizing hormone Control sperm production. Oxytocin Also called the love chemical. Helps in reproduction. Prolactin For breast development. Thyroid-stimulating hormone Stimulates thyroid production in the body. Parathyroid hormone Helps in blood clotting. Thyroid hormone - Regulates metabolic rate. Aids in mental and physical development. Aldosterone Regulates electrolytes in the body. Cortisol Generated when body is under stress. Also called the stress signal. Increases blood pressure and suppresses immune system. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Creates muscles and burns fat. Epinephrine Regulates blood pressure and heartbeats. Used for heart revival . Insulin For regulating and converting glucose into energy. Erythropoietin For red blood cells. Renin Controls blood pressure. Angiotensin Controls blood pressure. Estrogen The female hormone. Estrogen gives females their body shape. Progesterone For reproductive cycle. Testosterone Them ale hormone, associated with libido, aggressiveness, male body anatomy. Cholecystokinin For metabolism. Leptin Burns and regulates fat. Affects appetite.

Phytochemicals are found in vegetables and fruit we eat.They are not artificial chemicals as someone might assume after their name but pure natural organic compounds with many health benefits. Phytochemicals are natural compounds that are not classified into other categories but are important to the human body. Phytochemicals prevent plants against reactive oxygen and bacteria, fungi and cell damage. When humans consume these plants they consume phytochemicals as well which provides the humans all the benefits of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals provide the color of the product. It makes the tomato red and the spinach green. Phyotchemicals are extremely healthy and can protect someone from a variety of diseases and conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Due o this there are many phytochemical supplements available in the market today. Phytochemicals are richly contained in all fruits and vegetables. An orange contains upto 170 different type of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are used by their plants for their antioxidant properties. Properties that help humans as well. There are many helpful benefits of phytochemicals such as: Phytochemicals help prevent cancer. They help with diabetes. Lowers cholesterol. Remove fatty plaque on the artery. Lycopene in tomatoes is considered helpful against posttest cancer. Anti cancer drug Taxol is derived from phytochemicals. Aspirin is also derived from phytochemicals. Phytochemicals have anti inflammation properties.

Here is an small list of phytochemicals quite common in the food we consume: Allium (plant sulfurs), contained in onions and garlic. Lowers cholesterol. Ellegic acid Prevents cancer. Flavonoids Found in onions and berries. It can prevent heart disease and cancer. Indoles Found in green vegetables. It protects against cancer. And blocks cancer cells. Isoflavones (or phytoestrogens) Similar to hormone Estrogen. Found in soy and chickpeas. Reduces the symptoms of menopause. Plant sterols, including sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol Lower cholesterol.

Are they safe? Generally phytochemiclas are extremely safe as they are derived from plants. Although some elements like beta carotene actually increase the likelihood of cancer if taken in higher doses in supplements.

Enzymes are proteins containing amino acids and they are produced by all living organisms. Enzymes unlike other compounds act as an enablers and create specific chemical reactions. Digestive enzymes perform a specific purpose that is the breaking down and eventual consumption of the food by the body. Enzymes are chemicals that breakdown food into various other chemicals like protein, carbohydrates etc. Digestive enzymes are found in digestion tract and in cells where they enable the breaking down of he food into small components and their compounds. Any food or supplement you take must be broken down by the digestive enzymes so your body can consume them. Digestive enzymes are categorized according to their target chemical: Proteases and peptidases target and break down proteins. Lipases break fat. Carbrohydrases target carbohydrates and turn them in glucose. Nucleases split nucleic acids.

Enzymes are found in saliva, digestion tract, stomach and intestines. They are secreted by various glands in the stomach, pancreas, saliva glands and intestine glands. Since the body can not consume complex substances , digestive enzymes perform an important function in breaking them down. The process of breaking down food into simpler substances is generally called digestion. When food is taken it is first met by saliva based digestive enzymes. They disinfect the food and initiate the digestion process. Then that food portion along with the saliva enzymes goes into the stomach, The stomach digestive enzymes breaks down the food into various chemicals such as carbs, protein etc.

Then that portion travels to pancreas where the protein is broken down into even simpler substances such as amino acids and glucose and released into the body. The rest of the matter goes to small intestine where it is further broken down into smaller particles. After which the remaining matter is transferred to colon and removed from the body by first making it solid and removing water and electrolytes after which it is excreted by the body.

Amino acids are molecules containing an amine which contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen. Amino acids are used by the human body to create vitamins. Amino acids control large number of cell processes. They are simple organic compounds. Because amino acids are critical in metabolism and creating protein , amino acids a re an essential component of an supplement. Hundreds of amino acids are present tin nature. Although humans use only a few of these. Amino acids can be divided into two categories. Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body in adequate amounts and must be obtained from the diet. Non-essential amino acids are acids that can be produced by the body using a source of nitrogen and a carbon.

The essential amino acids are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. The nonessential amino acids are: arginine, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

Amino acids most basic function is to build proteins although they are helpful for a variety of reasons: They create , repair and sustain body tissues. Amino acids regulate glucose levels. Amino acids , specifically Alanine boosts immune system. Amino acids repairs the damage of aging and free radicals.

Amino acids help in recovery of physical injury, tissue generation and muscle repair. Which is why amino acid supplements are quite popular among bodybuilders. It regulates blood pressure in the body.

List of Amino acids: This is a small but not exhaustive list of common Amino acids: Alanine Neurological functions and essential in forming protein. Arginine - Wound healing, hormone production and immune system production. Asparagine - Transports nitrogen in the body. Aspartic acid Plays a role in metabolism and protein formation. Carnitine Utilizes fat into lipids. Carnosine Acts as an antioxidant. Reverses damage caused by free radicals. Creatine - Generates energy in muscle cells. Citrulline Regulates blood flow. Cysteine Antioxidant and removes harmful substances from the body. Gamma-aminobutyric acid - Neurological functions. Glutamic acid used to form glutamine.

Glutamine DNA synthesis. Glutathione Antioxidant. Glycine Food synthesis and glucose creation. Histidine - Manufactures blood cells. Hydroxyproline Skin tissue creation.

Isoleucine - Blood sugar level regulation . Leucine For body growth . Lysine Forms collagen and calcium.

Methionine Metabolism and growth. Ornithine - Helps with bio synthesis. Phenylalanine - Biosynthesis of other amino acids.

Proline - Used in wound healing. Muscle generation. Serine Affects the immune system. Taurine - Physiological functions. Theanine Stabilizes mood. Threonine Used in nervous system.. Tryptophan - Enhances overall well being, neurological effects such as elevated mood. Tyrosine Neurological effects and growth hormone simulation. Valine Neurological and muscular effects.

Fatty acids or essential fatty acids are acids created by the body by breaking down the fat. Essential fatty acids can not be created by the body it can only be obtained from diet. These acids not act as fuel for the body but are necessary for the body to perform many essential functions. Which is why they are named essential fatty acids.

Although only two types of acids are needed by humans. Other acids need is on a conditional basis. The essential acids are: alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). The conditionally essential acids are: gamma-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), lauric acid (a saturated fatty acid), and palmitoleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid). Fatty acids are also divided into two categories based on their fat profile. Fatty acids without double bonds are known as saturated fatty acids while fatty acids with double bonds are known as unsaturated acids. Why fatty acids are needed and what do they do. Fatty acids are needed because human body can not produce acids beyond a certain carbon bonds as such body needs to take them externally through diet. The most common sources of fatty acids in diet are fish, walnuts, plants, soya oil and green vegetables. Essential fatty acids perform many important and essential functions in the body, such as: Affection inflammation in the body. Affecting cellular signals in the body. Proper function of the brain. Alternative energy source for the body. Affecting and keeping the skin structure. Preventing the growth of bacteria.

People generally take fatty acids as a health and wellbeing measure. Since fatty acids are generally made from natural sources such as fish oil, they are not harmful. Many people lack essential fatty acids in their body due to diet or extra needs such as bodybuilding, pregnancy, aging or recovery. Taking essential fatty acids supplements can be extremely beneficial for these people as their fatty acids requirement is not adequately fulfilled by their diet.