Body builders cannot possibly get all the necessary vitamins and nutrients in sufficient amounts only from the food they eat. Hence, they use supplements to make up for the deficiency of essential nutrients and vitamins. Mentioned below is a list of some commonly used herbs for bodybuilding that body builders generally use.
Herbs for Bodybuilding:
Garcinia Cambogia: Garcinia Cambogia is a citrus fruit that has been used for a long time in Indian medicine. Recent research states that this fruit contains hydro citric acid that burns fat, but does not affect the muscle mass or protein in the body.
Astragalus: Astragalus has both antiviral as well as immune enhancing properties. It improves the body’s resistance to common diseases as well as boosts the functioning of other herbs that help digestion and increase energy. It also stimulates the production and circulation of blood. Astragalus increases the activity of white blood cells and the production of antibodies and interferon.
Stevia: This herb is used as a natural sweetener as it does not contain any kind of fat or calories.
Feverfew: This herb is known to reduce inflammation as well as pain. Feverfew can also be used to ease muscle cramps that body builders usually suffer from as a result of lifting heavy weights. This herb can be taken in the form of a tablet or as a tincture.
Licorice: This herb is a stimulant however its stimulating properties don’t come from alkaloids. The stimulating action is provided by glycyrrhizin and other biochemicals such as Flavonoids. This herb stimulates the adrenal cortex and delays the action of the adrenal hormones that play a vital role in regulating metabolism. Licorice is used to boost the adrenal system which in turn helps one to recover from excessive training. However, it does seem to lose effect when used for a long time and could cause side effects like hypertension, fluid retention and reduced secretion of stomach acids.
Ciwujia: This herb is commonly used in Chinese medicine. Ciwujia increases the overall oxygenation within the heart muscles. Recent research has proved that Ciwujia improves a body builder’s performance during training. It then increases fat metabolism while working out and reduces any kind of muscle fatigue that a body builder may feel.
Kola Nut: This herb is commonly used as a stimulant. Kola nut is quite similar to caffeine, but a lot stronger. Body builders must never use more than 1,000 milligrams per day. This is the recommended amount of Kola nut and one should make sure that they don’t exceed it.
Body building Herbs
Ginger: Due to its toning and energizing properties, ginger has been used for hundreds of years in both Chinese and Indian medicine. This herb is also recognized for its ability to stimulate digestion, settle an upset stomach and relieve pain. Ginger improves protein digestion and safeguards against intestinal parasites. It strengthens the mucosal lining, and relieves nausea and motion sickness in addition to strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Turmeric: Turmeric has been used for hundreds of years in many different forms of treatments and medicines. It is known to be very beneficial in treating inflammation. This herb can alleviate any kind of muscle pain and soreness.
There are quite a few useful herbs for bodybuilding that are commonly used by body builders and herbal supplements really have a place in the world of bodybuilding. However, it is always advisable to consult a health care professional before using the herbs mentioned in the article or any other supplements for bodybuilding.
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Are these herbs as effective as the other health supplements that body builders use? Are there any possible side effects? I would certainly like to use some of these herbs. Are these herbs available in the form of herbal supplements?
I found this post to be interesting as well as helpful. Being a body builder myself, I understand how important it is to make sure that the body receives all the essential vitamins and minerals.
I have always been a supporter of natural and herbal products. Although I am not a body builder, I would recommend the use of herbal supplements because they are safer and have almost no side effects.