SNI Pro Whey is actually a blended protein consisting of whey concentrate, whey isolate Egg Albumin, and Potassium Caseinate.  This product is geared toward the consumer looking for value.  The price point is low but the quality holds up with almost any other blended protein.  Each scoop packs 30grams of protein and because it is a blend of several different protein types it is more versatile than many other products.  It can be used post workout, between meals or even before going to sleep. 

The addition of digestive enzymes makes it easy to digest and the product flavor is good even when mixed in water.

If you are looking for protein value we think this is definitely one of the better options available.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine supports mitochondrial energy production and enhances the production neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  Research shows Acetyl L-Carnitine has the ability to enhance brain function and exert an antidepressant effect.

Sam-e has been extensively studied for its antidepressant activity.  It works as a methyl donor involved in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters.  Its exact mechanism of action isn’t entirely clear, although it is suggested that Sam-e may normalize levels of specific neurons in the brain.

Another interesting compound is L-Theanine.  L-Theanine is a free form amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants.  Studies suggest it can increase brain levels of serotonin, dopamine and GABA.  Clinical studies suggest L-Theanine may increase alpha wave activity, relaxing and focusing the brain without drowsiness.

From numerous studies it is clear that BCAA’s (Branched Chain Amino Acids) have a significant role in increasing overall conditioning factors such as aerobic and anaerobic capacities, by improving physiological markers such as: red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, fasting glucose levels, a decrease in creatine phophokinase, increased glycogenesis, and even rapid alleviation of muscle inflammation. Other positive attributes associated with BCAA’s as shown by current scientific literature includes: increased muscle recovery especially after intense eccentric exercise, alleviation of short term decrements in performance commonly associated with overreaching, improvements in plasma levels of BCAA’s (often linked with fatigue), and may aid in the healing of injuries, sickness, and trauma. There may also be strength and muscle mass increases accompanied by Branched Chain Amino Acid supplementation. However, further research is needed to determine whether this is a direct or indirect effect of BCAA supplementation.

During every day activity you should be consuming about ½ ounce of water per pound of bodyweight.  For a 160 pound individual that means 80 ounces of water.  Keep in mind coffee and other beverages do not count.

While exercising 24 ounces per hour is the upper limit and most people will need less unless the exercise session is very intense.  Consuming too much water can reduce exercise performance.

Curcumin is an herb which is derived from Tumeric.  It is often used in food as a flavoring and has been getting attention for its ability to support joint function, reduce inflammation, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  Recent studies have highlighted the ability of curcumin to support the function of collagen and cartilage cells.  A study in 2005 showed that curcumin exerted a protective effect on cartilage cells and inhibited degradation of these cells as well.  Another study showed it had a positive effect at enhancing synovial (joint fluid) cell health. 

Curcumin has also been shown to maintain cholesterol and lipid levels that are already normal.  In another study curcumin given to animals consuming a high fat diet had a smaller increase in lipid levels than those not consuming curcumin.

L-Arginine AKG is actually two ingredients, L-arginine and alpha ketogluterate (AKG).  About eight years ago, it was discovered that the absorbability of free form amino acids, like L-arginine are increased when bonded with AKG.  The preferred ratio is two parts L-arginine and one part AKG (2:1).

Over time, new tests showed a one to one (1:1) ratio was good on absorbability, but total L-arginine was reduced to nearly insignificant amounts.  Before long, 1:1 became the standard.  That means if you see L-Arginine AKG….2000mg, there is only 1g of L-arginine.

The 2:1 is now considered a “premium” ingredient yielding 33% more L-arginine with the highest absorbability.

The same is true with many other bonded free form amino acids like L-citrulline malate.  A 2:1 ration of Citrulline to malate is premium.

Research from McGill University in Canada found that olive oil increased resting metabolic rate as well as the energy cost of digesting a meal and post meal energy consumption.  Long term consumption of olive oil may decrease blood vessel inflammation, promote blood vessel health, and prevent blood platelets from clumping together.  Olive oil can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

One of our favorite products is Olio which contains olive oil, fish oil, flax oil and CLA.  Olio is great for weight management as well as general health.

With the popularity of detox products we have decided to take a closer look at some of the ingredients in these products to get a better understanding of how they work.  Below is a list of some of the more popular ingredients but by no means an exhaustive list.

Milk thistle: contains the active compound silymarin that exhibits potent anti toxin and anti-inflammatory properties and may help promote the growth of healthy liver cells.

Burdock root: provides strong anti toxin properties and stimulates bile flow to assist with healthy liver detoxification, while cleansing the kidneys and blood.

Yellow dock root: detoxifies the liver, kidneys and blood, and purifies the lymph glands.

Peony: a blood purifier.

Echinacea: cleanses the blood and boosts immune function.

Turmeric: contains the active compound curcumin, which stimulates bile flow and protects the liver from damage by toxic compounds.

Triphala: this Ayurvedic blend of three antioxidant-rich fruits restores balance and nerve integrity in the intestines.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis): helps to eliminate putrefied wastes from the bowel and has a gentle and emollient action on the lining of the bowel and intestines.

Other herbs of note in detox products include bupleurum, dandelion, mullein leaf, red clover, ashwagandha, larch gum, chlorella, corn silk and artichoke leaf.

Herbs are not the only popular inclusions. Some cleanses uses hemp and charcoal while some include, N-Acetyl Cysteine and L-methionine for the liver.  Fiber is also a recurring ingredient. Detox products contains fiber from whole food sources, designed to promote healthy digestion, bowel regularity, normal appetite and weight control. Psyllium is a popular addition, it is best known for its bulk fiber content and assists in assuring proper peristalsis, the movement of waste products out of the intestines.  One of the side effects of being constipated is the loss of good viable bacteria in the gut, for this reason probiotics are often added to detox products.

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It is located under the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. The position of the prostate allows it to affect the processes of urination and ejaculation.

Prostate disorders have become more common and the number of cases of prostate disorders has continued to escalate.

Supplements are now available to help men minimize the chance of developing prostate disorders.  Supplements for prostate health are meant to help improve health and reduce the chance of developing prostate disorders namely prostatitis, enlarged prostate and even cancer. According to studies, nutrition is the most important factor both in the development and management of prostate gland diseases. Proper diet and a healthy lifestyle are believed to be key elements in maintaining a healthy prostate.

The most popular supplement for prostate health is Saw Palmetto which is an extract of the fruit serenoa repens.  Saw Palmetto is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols which are presumed to be the components which are beneficial for prostate health.  Early research indicated that the extract is well-tolerated and suggested “mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures” 

Nettle Root is often included in supplements for prostate health as it has been shown to help men urinate more easily and empty their bladder more fully.  As a prostate treatment it has not been found to reverse prostate disorders. It is simply used to provide more comfort. It has no known side effect when taken internally.

Pygeum is another popular compound in supplements designed to promote prostate health.  Effects attributed to whole extracts of pygeum include normalization of glandular epithelium, an increase in prostatic secretions, estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity, and inhibition of fibroblast proliferation.

When it comes to minerals, zinc has been hailed as the most effective in helping lower a man’s chances of developing prostate disorders. Zinc can be found in shellfish, yeast and pumpkin seeds. Since men tend to lose zinc when they ejaculate, their need for this particular mineral is higher than that of women. A daily intake of 50 to 100 milligrams of zinc has been recommended by health experts to ensure a proper level of supply in the body.

Pumpkin seed oil appears to be able to interrupt the triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone and DHT, although the exact mechanism for this effect is still a matter of discussion.

One of the most interesting aspects of the way phytonutrients interact with the human body – beyond their broad spectrum antioxidant activity – is their tendency to be “organ specific.”  Different carotenoids have an affinity for different organs in the body! In the case of lycopene, it’s the most plentiful carotenoid in the prostate gland. Studies have explored the link between diets high in lycopene and proper prostate function.

Recently, the açai “berry” has been touted and marketed as a highly beneficial dietary supplemet. Companies sell açaí berry products in the form of tablets, juice, smoothies, instant drink powders, and whole fruit.

Marketers of these products make claims that açai provides increased energy levels, improved sexual performance, improved digestion, detoxification, high fiber content, high antioxidant content, improved skin appearance, improved heart health, improved sleep, and reduction of cholesterol levels. More dubious claims include reversal of diabetes and other chronic illnesses, as well as expanding size of the penis and increasing men’s sexual virility and sexual attractiveness to women. Açai is most commonly marketed as a weight loss product.

As of March 2009, there are no controlled studies backing up any of these claims.

Acai is definitely a strong antioxidant and contains many beneficial vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.  Acai would be beneficial for general health but users will be disappointed if they are seeking weight loss.