Bodybuilding Supplements A-z (a Must Read)

[~-Richter-!]

****BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS A-Z****

Below is a list of Supplements from A-Z. Also a brief description of what they are and what they do. Also a rating of how effective they are.
A glimpse at how the rating system works.
===================================
Ratings
o - Garbage
* - Bad
** - Okay
*** - Gettin' There ( may be useful )
**** - Good ( Is useful )
***** - Excellent ( A must have ! )
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Amino Acids
===============
Amino Acids are basically proteins that are broken down into their basic building blocks. Amino Acids are very important factor in anabolism (the building of muscle tissues). They are essential, But if you already have a high protein diet you may not need these. Otherwise, a good choice.
Rating ****


Andro\Norandro
===============
These are testosterone raising supplements. They are converted into testosterone after a chemical reaction in the body. Should be used if you are looking for a nice pump during your workout. It is best when used with tribulus terrestris to enhance and prolong the testosterone increase. You should only take this product if you are over 21, if you are under 21 your own natural testosterone levels are still developing and you don't want to mess with that. (19-Nor + Androdiol = Best gains)
Rating ***1/2


Boron
===============
A few supplement companies have claimed boron raises your testosterone. But I can assure you, it doesn't. Do not waste your money on this garbage.
Rating 0



Carnitine
===============
This is an amino acid that promotes fat burning. But it doesn't do too good of a job. One of the fats that it does burn off is a good fat (triglycerides). Also gives mild energy boost.
Rating ***



Chitosan
===============
This is a popular "fat blocker", and some studies have actually shown that this can block the absorption of fat to your stomach. But it may also stop the absorption of other essential vitamin and minerals. I would recommend this product only for those looking to lose weight, not to gain muscle. You may have seen commercials about a product called "Cheat and Eat" which is based on chitosan.
Rating **1\2



Chromium
===============
This is probably the most famous of all the fat burners of the market. Chromium is a good product, It has been proven that chromium can help you lose fat and gain muscle. The best chromium product is chromium picolinate.
Rating ***




Chrysin
===============
This is an extract from a plant. It prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which is common when you take any supplement that increases testosterone production and you do not want that to happen. So if you are taking any supplement that increases testosterone, it's good to add chrysin.
Rating **




Colostrum
===============
This product claims to raise your IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor). It's found in a mother's breast milk. But it doesn't give you anything good because the IGF-1 increase is only good for the mother's baby. Which makes it useless for you and me.
Rating 0




Creatine
===============
Creatine is one of the muscles' main energy sources, the muscle will store more creatine then we consume in our normal diets, (creatine is found in a variety of foods, one of the best sources is lean red meat, so it is a good idea for vegetarians to supplement it) by supplementing it the muscles will soak up the extra creatine. When muscles absorb creatine it also brings water with it, your muscles are 70 % water) this makes the muscles bigger and harder. Also when you ingest creatine it is stored, and about 20 minutes later it is transformed into ATP. ATP's are what give your muscles 'energy' during a workout, on creatine you might be able to push a few more reps than usual. The best type of creatine to take is creatine monohydrate. Many companies tell you that you should 'load' on creatine. Which means you should take up to 4 times as much creatine than usual during the first few weeks on creatine. It is optional to load.
Rating *****




Dandelion
===============
This is a diuretic which is pretty useful. Many bodybuilder use dandelion before contest to get that ultra lean look. It is included in the popular product 'taraxatone.' I recommend not to buy dandelion individually, instead purchase a product like taraxatone.
Rating ***1\2




DHEA
===============
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is another testosterone booster. It doesn't work too well on It's own. But It is useful when stacked with tribulus terrestris and andro.
Rating **




Ephedrine
===============
This is a potent thermogenic herb. It's is compared to caffeine in regards to energy. It is also believed to burn fat. This is a very popular herb and is used in many thermogenic products. Take Ephedrine 15-20 minute before a workout, to boost energy.
Rating ***1/2




Essential fatty acids (EFAs)
======================
It was once said that all fats are bad. This is not entirely true. Now, don't get the idea that you can go to your favorite fast food restaurant and gain muscle. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. The "good" fats are called linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (Omega-3.) These are commonly found in cold water fish like flounder, or in certain oils like soybean oil. So, If you are on a very low fat diet, EFAs can be very helpful in giving you energy throughout the day.
Rating ***




Ginkgo Biloba
===============
This herbs helps concentration. Which may be helpful to some people at the gym who can't keep up with their sets (slacking off). I have never tried ginkgo myself but I've heard from so people that it works, and from other that it only brings on a painful headache. If you have trouble focusing on your workout at the gym, give it a try.
Rating **1\2




Ginseng
===============
Ginseng is an herb that help you cope with stress. I'd say that about half of the people on ginseng actually experience results. It comes in many different forms like, Indian, American, Korean, and Siberian ginseng. They are all not that different but Siberian is the best.
Rating **




Glucosamine
===============
This very popular arthritis medication that help your body form cartilage. Many bodybuilders experience pains at their joints throughout the day from weightlifting.
Rating **




Glutamine
===============
Glutamine is an amino acid. It's the amino acid which is found most in human muscle tissue. Therefore making it an essential to all bodybuilders. Everyone knows that you need protein to get any bigger, and glutamine is the number one part of the protein the makes you grow. Glutamine is one of the best, if not the best supplement on the market today.
Rating - ****1/2




Guarana
===============
Guarana is consider to be the herbal form of caffeine. Guarana is in almost all 'energy' products. It can give you a good boost of energy during a workout. Best if combined with Ma Huang.
Rating ***




5-HTP
===============
5 Hydroxytryptophan is converted into seratonin in your body. 5-HTP is supposed to help suppress your appetite. Many people claim that it actually works. If you have trouble dieting, then give it a try.
Rating ***




Hydroxy Citric Acid (HCA)
====================
HCA is another appetite suppressant. HCA is not very popular and doesn't work for everyone. Even if it does work for you, It won't have a great effect.
Rating *




Lipoic Acid
===============
This is an insulin like substance. It is found in many creatine products like Cell Tech. Lipoic Acid actually works great when used with creatine. Bodybuilders using insulin with creatine can get steroid like gains. This effect won't entirely happen with Lipoic acid, but you will get some good gains.
Rating ***1/2 (w\creatine)




Ma Huang
===============
This Herb gives you a lot of energy. But it can also be harmful to some people with high blood pressure. Otherwise it is a great herb to take before a workout for energy. Ma Huang has also been believed to be a fat burner.
Rating ***1\2




Medium Chain triglycerides (MCT)
=========================
These are a type of fat which are less easily stored than normal fat. Back in the days' when Weight gainer's were the biggest and the best thing around MCT were very popular. Today my favorite weight gainer contains MCT's (Champion Nutrition's Heavyweight gainer 900). Do not consume these thinking it will help lose fat or gain muscle. MCT's are not important, but are better than regular fat.
Rating *1\2




Melatonin
===============
Melatonin is the hormone which, in our bodies, tells you when to go to sleep. It is a natural sleep aid. It may not be that powerful, but it not addicting like other sleep aids. Bodybuilder's use Melatonin because the only time you grow is while sleeping.
Rating **




Mexican Yam
===============
Mexican Yams are supposed to be converted into DHEA in the body. I say, If you want DHEA buy DHEA! Don?t buy this!
Rating 0




Phosphates
===============
Phosphates are used to increase your endurance. They are also used with creatine, like in EAS Phos****en HP. I don't believe this is a good product. Bill Phillips (EAS) made it popular in his creatine.
Rating *1\2




Pregnenolone
===============
This is another testosterone elevating hormonal compound. It also raises the female hormone progesterone which is a catabolic hormone. Catabolic means that breaking down of muscle tissue, which is very bad. In conclusion this is another supplement that does just about no good at all.
Rating 1\2


------------------------------
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check out my Get Huge forum today!
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[~-Richter-!]

Pyruvate
===============
This is a new supplement that is supposed to help you "lose fat without exercise". Some studies show Pyruvate works, so show it's just a hype. Pyruvate is supposed to alter your ATP levels (muscle cell energy) like creatine. Try it out for yourself, But I do recommend that you do workout while taking it.
Rating ***1\2




Saw palmetto
===============
This is herb that was first used to help protect the prostrate for men. Now it was found that it is also anti-estrogenic (Blocks the harmful female hormone estrogen). Which may help in making androstene last longer in your system. Saw Palmetto has also been found to treat acne into some cases.
Rating ***




Shark Cartilage
===============
This became popular back in the early 90s when someone said that it could be a cure for cancer. He said that sharks were the only animal that couldn't get cancer. This started a craze to get shark cartilage. Later it was found that this was all hype. Now shark cartilage can help bodybuilders and weightlifters repair cartilage. By releasing Glucosamine. My opinion is if you want to try to repair your cartilage buy Glucosamine in it's purified form.
Rating *1\2




Sterols (Plant Sterols)
=================
Despite their name "sterols" they have nothing to do with steroids. Marketers just try to sell it because of the similarities in names. Sterols do not do anything!
Rating 0




Taurine
===============
Like I said before Glutamine was the Number one Amino acid found in muscle tissue. Taurine is the number two Amino acid found in muscle tissue. In my opinion just take glutamine. But if you want to be one small step ahead take both.
Rating ***1\2



Tribulus Terrestris
===============
Tribulus has been a popular medicinal herb in folk medicine in the East and in Bulgaria since 1981 in the treatment of sexual deficiency. According to one Bulgarian clinical study in men it increases libido and increases Testosterone by 38%. Since testosterone promotes protein synthesis, the benefits are increase in muscle growth and body strength. Be aware that there are several different grades and strains of Tribulus and usually price is reflected in the quality. Sharp Labs Inc. offers the highest grade and strain of "TT" and uses only the most advanced extraction process. It is available in their exclusive product Show-Tech?
Rating **1/2




Vanadyl Sulfate
===============
Vanadyl is a good supplement because it makes your muscles look and feel harder. It is another insulin like supplement. But vanadyl has been shown to be slightly toxic in high doses. If you have soft muscles, then give it a try. But follow the label.
Rating ***




Whey Protein
===============
Whey protein is by far the best protein there is (for now). Your diet should always be a high protein diet. Also you should eat both high protein normal foods plus whey protein shakes. To figure out your recommended daily protein intake you should multiply your body weight by at least 1.5 (e.g 200lbs times 1.5 = 300 grams).
Rating *****




White Willow Bark
===============
This is the herbal form of aspirin. Aspirin stacked with Ephedrine has shown to reduce fat.
Rating **




Yohimbe
===============
This herb is most widely used by men for sexual performance. But also is able to stop your body from storing fat (in small amounts).
Rating ***


I'm sure ill get plenty of posts saying that they disagree with my rating system. But thats alright, I hope this helps some of you when thinking about buying some supplements!

===============================================
If you have a supplement in which i had not put...please give me a hand and post them here...and ill edit my post...In this format please!!


Name of supp.
===========
Small description
Rating


I did not get them all for there are just too many...so give me a hand please. Thanks again!
==============================================

------------------------------
So you want to Get Huge?
check out my Get Huge forum today!
http://gethuge.freeforums.org/

[Atheimetal]

TRIBULUS IS A 5?

I'm sorry, but...

What?

[~-Richter-!]

no that was a typo....I fixed it!. thanks for bringing it up! I do think it is a 2 1/2 Tho. would you disagree with this as well. It raises test by 38%

[pump32]

no that was a typo....I fixed it!. thanks for bringing it up! I do think it is a 4 Tho. would you disagree with this as well. It raises test by 38%

no

[KellerLB]

no CLA/Green Tea? NO?

[Gravik]

nice. thanks for the list +repped

[~-Richter-!]

===============================================
If you have a supplement in which i had not put...please give me a hand and post them here...and ill edit my post...In this format please!!


Name of supp.
===========
Small description
Rating


I did not get them all for there are just too many...so give me a hand please. Thanks again!
==============================================

[Atheimetal]

2 1/2 may be pushing it but it's definitely BETTER. From what I've read it can increase libido but does not necessarily do much for actual testosterone levels. As time goes on it seems more and more that it just isn't ideal for test. in general.. but there are conflicting studies so it's up to you what you like to rate it.

[ZCAY889]

lol at the massivly oversimplified descriptions and lol at giving glutamine a 4.5 and calling it the best supplement but giving fish oil 3. Glutamine is higher than bcaa's? I guarantee you havent tried 1/4 those supps and have nothing but the biased misinfomation that youve read from unqualified posters on this site to go off of.

[Lavoisier]

Source?

[Delgadido]

Failed

[Beowolf Agate]

EFA needs a five star rating, at the very least a four. And there's no PWO shake on here. Something like Surge definitely deserves a four or five. Did you nnot included BCAA's, or did I just miss em'?