With the rise in popularity of the Ketogenic Diet, more and more people are looking at fat as a friend and not the enemy it once was 20 years ago.

Healthy fats have been demonstrated to dramatically improve your health and actually lower cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get more healthy fats into your diet is with MCT powder. MCT, or Medium Chain Triglycerides, begins as an oil and through a revolutionary spray drying process, you get all of the benefits of MCT oil in powder form.

Let’s take a look at the 5 proven reasons you need to start taking MCT as a part of a healthy diet and exercise program.

5. Decreases Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

First and foremost, the use of MCT powder as a supplement may help to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in The Journal of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods suggests that a healthy diet, which contains a daily dose of MCTs, may help to avoid cardiovascular disease, more commonly referred to as metabolic syndrome. (1-2)

4. Supports Cognitive Health

Your brain is the most energy hungry organ in the body and it really likes healthy fats. A study published in Neurodegenerative Disease Management demonstrated that MCT supplementation helped to support overall brain health. It even shows promise for helping those with degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s. (2-3)

3. Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory

For the physically active who often have bothersome inflammation following a workout, MCT supplementation may be able to help. As an anti-inflammatory with a high anti-oxidant profile, MCT supplements may be able to soothe joints. (3)

2. Improves Digestion

For those who have tried to get medium chain triglycerides from coconut oil, it isn’t uncommon to have an upset stomach. What’s more, while coconut oil does contain MCTs, the amount doesn’t compare to what you’ll find in MCT powder.

MCT powder is super concentrated and, best of all, easy to digest and assimilate. MCT powder is highly bioavailable ensuring you’ll get all of the nutrients from the medium chain triglycerides.

The benefit of bioavailability of MCT powder extends to other nutrients as some studies suggest MCT powder supplementation may improve the absorption of other nutrients.

1. Encourages Weight Loss

Finally, one of the best reasons to supplement with MCT powder is the benefit of weight loss.

Studies have shown that a diet rich in MCTs supports a healthy weight loss. What’s more, once you’ve achieved your goal weight, medium chain triglycerides can help you maintain that weight.

Excess weight and adipose tissue is associated with a higher risk of disease. Not only is losing weight great for how you look but it is also ideal for overall health. MCT powder supplementation may be able to support a healthy weight loss. (1-2, 5)

Conclusion

Want to burn more fat?

Looking to support recovery?

Do you simply want to promote your wellbeing?

MCT powder may be able to help you accomplish your fitness goals while supporting your overall health. Make sure you get the highest quality MCT powder with the Amino Z brand.

What’s more, you can make your very own fat burning supplement featuring MCT powder by using the Amino Z Supplement Builder. Throw together MCT powder with proven fat burners like L-Carnitine. You have complete control over your supplements with the Amino Z Supplement Builder. Try it today!

References

1. St-Onge MP, Bosarge A. Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):621-6.

2. Mercola, Dr. Joseph. “The Anti-Cancer, Fat-Burning Ingredient That's Even More Powerful than Coconut Oil.” Mercola.com. 22 Aug. 2016.

3. Galvin JE. Optimizing Diagnosis and Management In Mild-To-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurodegenerative Disease Management. 2012;2(3):291-304. doi:10.2217/nmt.12.21.

4. Tsuji H, Kasai M, Takeuchi H, Nakamura M, Okazaki M, Kondo K. Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women. J Nutr. 2001 Nov;131(11):2853-9.

Are you a long-time vegetarian looking for a way to get more protein in your diet?

Are you a meat eater looking to incorporate more plant-based protein?

Do you simply want to improve your overall health?

Plant protein has surged in popularity in recent years thanks, in part, to the studies associating animal protein products with increased risk of illness. What’s more, plant-based proteins have been found in several key studies to be just as effective at supporting muscle recovery and growth.

If you are in the market for an effective plant-based protein, you’ll need to know which types should be in your supplement. Let’s take a look at the top 4 plant ingredients to mix together for the perfect plant protein supplement.

Pea Protein Isolate

First is pea protein isolate. One of the most popular plant-based protein choices, pea protein isolate is an ideal protein source without the dairy-based food allergies of whey.

A ground-breaking study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition demonstrated that pea protein isolate was just as effective as whey protein at promoting the following benefits:

• May trigger protein synthesis
• May boost recovery
• May increase lean muscle mass (1)

What’s more, pea protein isolate contains arginine, which is a critical compound for nitric oxide production. (1)

Rice Protein

The next ingredient you’ll want to use in a plant-based protein is rice protein. Most commonly sourced from brown rice, this protein source is ideal for those with digestive issues. Rice protein is easy to assimilate and highly bioavailable. It has been found in studies to promote fat loss, boost muscle building, and support strength gains. (2)

Soy Protein Isolate

Soy protein is found in many store-bought products and has received some negative attention in the last few years; however, soy protein isolate is NOT the same as regular soy protein.

Soy protein isolate is processed in a different manner, ensuring it’s ideal for digestion and assimilation. It also ranks high in bioavailability. When you’re looking for an elite quality plant protein, be sure that it contains soy protein isolate.

Studies show that soy protein isolate may be able to support the following benefits:

• May boost lean muscle mass growth
• May protect current lean tissue from breakdown
• May support overall health and wellness (3)

Wheat Grass Powder

Finally, no plant-based protein is complete without wheat grass powder.

Wheat grass exploded on to the health scene about a decade ago when celebrity doctors began to recommend it on a regular basis for overall health and wellness. Wheat grass also happens to be the perfect plant protein counterpart.

Wheat grass powder is packed with the following:

• Vitamin C & E
• Chlorophyll
• Flavonoids

Its impressive nutrient profile makes it ideal for sports recovery. What’s more, the antioxidant content of wheat grass powder helps to destroy free radicals, improve cardiovascular risk factors, and support overall health. (4)

Conclusion

Why waste time looking for the perfect plant protein when you can make your own?

With the Amino Z Supplement Builder, you can create your own plant protein masterpiece.

You can use the ingredients above and even throw in some additions of your own. It’s fast, easy-to-use, and inexpensive. Make your own supplement with the Amino Z Supplement Builder.

References

1. Nicolas Babault, Christos Païzis, Gaëlle Deley, Laetitia Guérin-Deremaux, Marie-Hélène Saniez, Catherine Lefranc-Millot and François A Allaert. Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 201512:3.

2. Joy JM, Lowery RP, Wilson JM, et al. The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutrition Journal. 2013;12:86. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-86.

3. Hashimoto R, Sakai A, Murayama M, Ochi A, Abe T, Hirasaka K, Ohno A, Teshima-Kondo S, Yanagawa H, Yasui N, Inatsugi M, Doi D, Takeda M, Mukai R, Terao J, Nikawa T. Effects of dietary soy protein on skeletal muscle volume and strength in humans with various physical activities. J Med Invest. 2015;62(3-4):177-83. doi: 10.2152/jmi.62.177.

4. Bar-Sela G, Cohen M, Ben-Arye E, Epelbaum R. The Medical Use of Wheatgrass: Review of the Gap Between Basic and Clinical Applications. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2015;15(12):1002-10.

What is Dymatize ISO 100?

Dymatize ISO 100 is an advanced protein supplement that focuses on the fastest digesting forms of protein: hydrolysed whey and whey isolate protein. The focus on these two types of protein makes it an ideal post-workout supplement whereas EHP Labs OxyWhey is an all-around great protein choice, suitable for meal replacement and pre-workout.

Highlights:

• 25 grams of protein per serving (OxyWhey is comparable at 24 grams of protein)
• Barebones formula – You are getting protein with few additional ingredients
• Fastest rate of digestion for any protein source
• Scores 101 out of 100 on the bioavailability scale

Why You Should Use Dymatize ISO 100

Dymatize ISO 100 is an isolate-based protein supplement that focuses on getting your muscles the amino acids they need for repair and recovery.

One of the best things about Dymatize ISO 100 is the fast rate of digestion and the perfect bioavailability score. A protein source that digests extremely fast AND is almost completely bioavailable with minimal waste is a powerful weapon for post-workout nutrition.

EHP Labs OxyWhey, on the other hand, is a protein blend. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad post-workout choice; rather, it can be better utilized at different times. It has several sources of protein, meaning extended amino acid release. This is great for promoting a longer anabolic environment but not as useful when your muscles needed an immediate supply of amino acids post-workout.

Things to Watch Out for With Dymatize ISO 100

Aside from artificial flavouring and artificial sweeteners, there isn’t much to be cautious of with Dymatize ISO 100. As mentioned above, Dymatize ISO 100 is ideal for post-workout supplementation. You can also use it to kickstart your day with a rapid boost of protein after the 8 to 12 hours you spend fasting each night.

If you’re looking for a protein supplement that can support a longer period of amino acid delivery, a protein blend, like EHP Labs OxyWhey, may be the better choice.

What is EHP Labs OxyWhey?

OxyWhey by EHP Labs is a protein blend that also features a fat burning formula. It is a combination of isolate, concentrate, and casein protein. These three types of protein offer three varying rates of digestion, which is important for promoting an environment of repair and growth for a longer period of time.

Highlights:

• Provides 24 grams of highly bioavailable protein - While it may have a high bioavailability score, it cannot compare with the digestibility of ISO 100
• Features several fat-burning ingredients such as Green Tea Extract and Chromium Picolinate

Why You Should Use EHP Labs OxyWhey

OxyWhey is an excellent protein supplement that features a higher-than-average protein amount per serving, a unique protein blend, and a thermogenic blend. If you are looking for a way to add in extra protein to your diet WHILE you support fat burning, OxyWhey is the ideal supplement for you.

When it comes to supplement timing, it’s important to understand that OxyWhey is going to qualify for nearly every occasion that you can think of with the exception of post-workout nutrition. While you can use it as a post-workout supplement; however, it wouldn’t perform as well as ISO 100.

Things to Watch Out for With EHP Labs OxyWhey

It’s also important to realize that OxyWhey is a protein supplement and NOT a fat burner. Despite the thermogenic compounds within, OxyWhey does not contain the needed dosages of those fat burners to make a real impact. It’s great support but not dosed at a level that would promote high level fat burning benefits.

Conclusion

ISO 100 is designed to be the perfect post-workout protein source. OxyWhey isn’t bad; it’s just not as great as ISO 100 solely for the post-workout time period. With that said, OxyWhey is ideal for literally any other point during the day or night.

We would recommend using both proteins. Use ISO 100 to break your morning fast and for post-workout nutrition. Use OxyWhey as a morning snack, pre-workout, or afternoon snack. Together, these two protein supplements will make a huge impact in your results.

References

1. Tsutsumi R, Tsutsumi YM. Peptides and proteins in whey and their benefits for human health. Austin J Nutri Food Sci 2014;1(1): 1002

2. Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R. Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):269S-73S.

3. Norton, Layne, Layman, Donald. Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle after Exercise. J. Nutr. February 2006 vol. 136 no. 2 533S-537S.

4. Negro M, Giardina S, Marzani B, Marzatico F. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2008 Sep;48(3):347-51.

5. Mourier A, Bigard AX, de Kerviler E, Roger B, Legrand H, Guezennec CY. Combined effects of caloric restriction and branched-chain amino acid supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in elite wrestlers. Int J Sports Med. 1997 Jan;18(1):47-55.

6. De Lorenzo A, Petroni ML, Masala S, Melchiorri G, Pietrantuono M, Perriello G, Andreoli A. Effect of acute and chronic branched-chain amino acids on energy metabolism and muscle performance. Diabetes Nutr Metab. 2003 Oct-Dec;16(5-6):291-7.

Walk through any supplement store and you’ll be swarmed by brightly coloured labels claiming to contain the most potent muscle builders known to man. The problem is that most of these claims are just hyped up advertising. Leave it to science to weed out the true muscle builders from the colourful powder that doesn’t do much.

One ingredient that has been getting a lot of attention in the fitness community is beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, more commonly known as HMB. Let’s take a look at what HMB is and how it may the key to unlocking your muscle building potential.

What is HMB?

Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate is a metabolite of the essential amino acid, Leucine. This means that once Leucine is ingested and broken down, HMB is the end result.

HMB has received a lot of attention recently due to its implications for lean muscle tissue. Originally utilized as a way to prevent muscle catabolism for people with degenerative diseases such as AIDS, HMB has now become a serious muscle building supplement contender in the fitness industry.

The Benefits of HMB

Protects Muscle

• The benefit that first shined the spotlight on HMB is its ability to help protect lean muscle tissue. Studies have demonstrated that HMB is able to decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone, which means it breaks down protein and muscle tissue when left unchecked. What’s more, HMB may be able to boost protein synthesis, which helps in the development of lean muscle tissue. (1-3)

Build More Muscle

• Continuing with this idea of muscle building, HMB may be one of the best legal and proven supplements to support muscle building. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle tissue. HMB comes from the amino acid Leucine, which has been the subject of a number of studies citing it as an effective ingredient for muscle building. HMB not only blocks catabolic breakdown of muscle tissue but it also promotes protein synthesis. As mentioned above, protein synthesis plays an important role in muscle development. Several studies have concluded that subjects supplementing with HMB saw greater muscle development than their placebo-focused peers. (1-3)

More Strength

• A study published in European Journal of Applied Physiology tested subjects on the bench press, squat, deadlift, and vertical jump. Subjects were provided with HMB supplementation 12 weeks in combination with a well-designed training program. Subjects saw a significant increase in total body strength and power across the board. (1-3)

How Much HMB Should I Take?

While there is no scientifically confirmed dosage, the industry standard seems to be 3 grams per day. Medical websites such as WebMD recommend 3 grams per day for 8 weeks then cycling off the supplement for 3 to 4 weeks.

Conclusion

Ready to support your muscle building goals?

Want a pharmaceutical grade HMB?

Looking for excellent prices and even better quality?

Amino Z has exactly what you need. Amino Z HMB is pure, effective, and inexpensive. Best of all, you can mix it with a variety of different muscle building supplements when you create your very own supplement! That’s right! With the Amino Z Supplement Builder, you are in control.

Click here to check out the Amino Z Supplement Builder and create your very own supplement today!

References

1. Slater GJ, Jenkins D. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation and the promotion of muscle growth and strength. Sports Med. 2000 Aug;30(2):105-16.

2. Wilson, Gabriel J, Jacob M Wilson, and Anssi H Manninen. “Effects of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) on Exercise Performance and Body Composition across Varying Levels of Age, Sex, and Training Experience: A Review.” Nutrition & Metabolism 5 (2008): 1. PMC. Web. 2 Aug. 2017.

3. Wilson JM, Lowery RP, Joy JM, Andersen JC, Wilson SM, Stout JR, Duncan N, Fuller JC, Baier SM, Naimo MA, Rathmacher J. The effects of 12 weeks of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and power in resistance-trained individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2014 Jun;114(6):1217-27. doi: 10.1007/s00421-014-2854-5. Epub 2014 Mar 6.

Next to building muscle mass, the quest to lose weight and burn fat is the most popular fitness goal. Shedding excess weight and extra adipose tissue doesn’t just help you look good, it’s also been shown to be great for your health. Excess adipose tissue has been associated with higher levels of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

If weight loss is at the top of your fitness goals, supplementation, as a part of a healthy diet and exercise program, may be able to promote a higher level of fat burning. Let’s take a look at the top 3 supplement ingredients that you need to use to burn more fat and achieve your weight loss goals.

3. L-Carnitine

Hands down, one of the most popular fat burning ingredients, L-Carnitine has been proven time and time again to be effective at supporting weight loss.

L-Carnitine encourages the use of fat as energy by helping it into the mitochondria of a cell. Once inside, the mitochondria will burn the fat as a fuel source.

L-Carnitine has also been suggested to be an effective anti-inflammatory. Not only can it promote fat burning but it may also alleviate inflammation in joints, especially if you often feel stiff or sore post-workout. (1-3)

• Suggested dosage: 4 grams per day

2. CLA

Is your goal to burn extra calories?
Want to also build muscle?

Need to protect your current level of muscle while losing weight?

CLA may be the perfect supplement for you.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid, more commonly known as CLA, has been shown in a number of studies to support fat loss AND muscle building.

CLA is suggested to support fat burning and long-term weight loss. While it is promoting weight loss, it can also be a powerful ally to muscle tissue. It does so by helping with protein synthesis in the body. This, in turn, will help prevent protein catabolism, or the breakdown of muscle tissue. Protein synthesis can also be helpful when trying to increase muscular size. (4-6)

• Suggested dosage: 5 grams per day

1. Guarana

Last but certainly not least, we have guarana. This is a potent herbal remedy that has been used in the Amazonian jungles for hundreds of years as a communal drink that promotes overall health. Science has finally shed light on the benefits of guarana with the most popular being energy boosting and weight loss support.

Guarana has been shown in several studies to be as effective as caffeine when it comes to energy levels. For those who are caffeine sensitive, guarana may be the next best thing as it doesn’t include the characteristic anxiety that comes with caffeine use.

On top of more energy, guarana has been suggested to improve cognitive ability by boosting focus and alertness.

Finally, guarana may be able to promote an elevated metabolic response that support overall weight loss. (7-8)

• Suggested dosage: 700 milligrams per day

Conclusion

Taken as a part of a healthy diet and exercise program, L-Carnitine, CLA, and Guarana may be the powerful trio you need to see better weight loss results. Want to save money and find all three of these ingredients in one place? Make your own supplement!

With the Amino Z Supplement Builder, you can create your own supplement with the ideal dosages suggested above. Check out the Amino Z Supplement Builder now to get started on your perfect fat burning supplement.

References

1. Brandsch C, Eder K. Effect of L-carnitine on weight loss and body composition of rats fed a hypocaloric diet. Ann Nutr Metab. 2002;46(5):205-10.

2. Malek Mahdavi A, Mahdavi R, Kolahi S. Effects of l-Carnitine Supplementation on Serum Inflammatory Factors and Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzymes in Females with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2016 Sep-Oct;35(7):597-603. Epub 2016 Mar 2.

3. Smeland OB, Meisingset TW, Borges K, Sonnewald U. Chronic acetyl-L-carnitine alters brain energy metabolism and increases noradrenaline and serotonin content in healthy mice. Neurochem Int. 2012 Jul;61(1):100-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.04.008. Epub 2012.

4. Whigham LD, Watras AC, Schoeller DA. Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1203-11.

5. Vaughan RA, Garcia-Smith R, Bisoffi M, Conn CA, Trujillo KA. Conjugated linoleic acid or omega 3 fatty acids increase mitochondrial biosynthesis and metabolism in skeletal muscle cells. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;11:142.

6. DeLany, James P., et al. (1999). Conjugated linoleic acid rapidly reduces body fat content in mice without affecting energy intake. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology276, 4, R1172-R1179.

7. Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 Nov;79(3):401-11.

8. Moustakas D, Mezzio M, Rodriguez BR, Constable MA, Mulligan ME, Voura EB. Guarana Provides Additional Stimulation over Caffeine Alone in the Planarian Model. Holscher C, ed. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0123310. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123310.