Working out and dieting can help create a calorie deficit (taking in fewer calories than burned) which is necessary for weight loss.  The ideal situation is one in which you lose body fat and maintain muscle tone.  The trick is to get your body to use fat as a fuel source.  This is where CLA and L-Carnitine can help.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA has been shown to inhibit the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme involved in the uptake of fat into fat cells.  This can reduce fat uptake into cells preventing accumulation of body fat.  CLA also promotes the body’s use of fat as fuel, helping to breakdown fatty acids allowing them to get into the blood stream to be used as fuel.   Several studies have shown that CLA can positively affect body composition and has a beneficial effect on lean muscle mass. 

Carnitine is a nutrient responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing centers of the cells (known as the mitochondria). In other words, carnitine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy, which is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body. 

Intek CLA Evolution combines both of these ingredients in the doses researched to provide results.  Try Intek CLA Evolution for a non stimulant product to help your body burn more fat. 

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are considered “good” fats.  Your body cannot make Essential Fatty Acids, and therefore they need to come from your diet or from a supplement.  Since most of us do not consume a diet high in these fats it may become necessary to take a dietary supplement.  EFAs contribute to your health in too many ways to list here.  Research with EFAs as supplements has been performed in relation to their potential benefits to your heart, skin, brain, eyes, joints and more.

The ideal intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is between 1:1 and 4:1.  This means for every gram of Omega-6 you need up to one gram of Omega-3.  The typical American diet often leads to a ratio between 10:1 and 25:1, a proportion which may lead to health related issues.  Changing your diet to improve your ratio is an important factor in experiencing the full health benefits of EFAs – that’s why so many people take an Omega-3 supplement every day.  

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are scientific terms for two different classifications of EFAs. These names are derived from the chemical composition of the fatty acid molecules. Omega-3 fatty acids include ALA, EPA DHA.  Omega-6 fatty acids include GLA and LA.

The most popular dietary supplements for EFAs are Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Borage Oil.

The reason fish oil is so popular as a supplement, is that not all of us convert ALA into EPA and DHA.  DHA is important for health and, even if the body converts the ALA to EPA, it still has to make DHA.  Since we are unaware of who is able to make the conversion, make sure to take fish oil to assure to assure you are getting adequate EPA and DHA.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) are responsible for many of the beneficial effects of fish oils.  Research has shown that fish oils containing EPA and DHA may have therapeutic benefits throughout your body, especially for the health of your heart, brain and joints.

Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) (An Omega-3 Fatty Acid) is found primarily in Flax seed oil. ALA helps support heart health, including healthy cholesterol already within the normal range, and may also provide immunity benefits.  In some of us, the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) (An Omega-6 Fatty Acid) is found in borage, black currant and evening primrose oils.  GLA helps the body’s inflammation response and supports healthy circulation.  It supports mood in pre-menopausal women as well.

Linoleic Acid (LA) (An Omega-6 Fatty Acid) is found in processed foods, margarine, and vegetable oils.  LA helps improve skin conditions.  It may also be partially converted to GLA in the body.

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.