Archive for the ‘Men’s Health’ Category

Prostate Supplement Review

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

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.

Cryotest vs. TNT – What’s the Better Test Booster

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

This week we are putting the new comer Muscle Tech Cryotest up against TNT to see which natural testosterone booster comes out on top.

 

The Case for Nexx Gen TNT:

Nexx Generation Nutrition’s TNT uses several potent herbs to increase lutenizing hormone which is responsible for the signal that goes from the brain to the testicles telling the body how much testosterone to produce.  Most supplement users don’t realize there are different grades of herbs which are standardized to varying levels of active ingredients.  For example Nexx Gen Nutrition’s TNT uses a blend of Tribulus standardized to 20% and 40% protodioscin.  This potency gives it an edge over almost all other tribulus products based on this factor alone.  Factor in Acetyl L-Carnitine which drives test production even further and this is a product that you will definitely feel. 

 

Nexx Gen Nutrition’s TNT uses Avena Sativa for its ability to free up bound testosterone.  This is extremely important as a large percentage of testosterone in the body is bound up leaving it unavailable for muscle building purposes.

 

Fenugreek, another TNT ingredient, seems to have Testosterone like properties on its own. It appears to bind to the Testosterone receptor sites in the body which stimulates anabolic and androgenic activity. This has been verified by studies done on castrated male Swiss Wistar rats wherein administration of Fenugreek has led to anabolic and androgenic activity similar to Testosterone.

 

Longjack also known as Euryacoma Longfolia is also in the TNT blend.  It has been shown to boost sex drive as well as testosterone levels although the exact actions are unknown at this point.

 

Add in TNT’s natural estrogen clearing compounds DIM and Resveratrol and this product rounds out a very complete and potent formula.

 

The Case for Cryotest:

New research is showing L-Carnitine will sensitize testosterone receptors in the muscles and may increase the amount of androgen receptors in the muscle.  However we think this affect is minimal as many individuals have supplemented with L-carnitine without seeing gains in muscle or performance.  We would recommend using L-carnitine but it is probably best purchased on its own for greater cost effectiveness.  Cryotest does contain Avena Sativa which is an effective ingredient although this product does not give us the amount which it contains.  The balance of this product contains ingredients which will help with sleep and sex drive.  Often company’s ad yohimbe and other sex drive enhancing ingredients to test boosters in an attempt to make people feel as if the product is working by increasing sex drive.

 

Conclusion:

Stick with the TNT for best results.  The ingredients are research proven and the product has been battle tested by countless users.

Enhancing Sexual Function

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

There are several ways to enhance sexual health and sexual function.  Natural products for this purpose should address vasodilatation, hormone levels, healthy arteries and overall libido.  Ingredients like arginine, citrulline and norvaline can increase nitric oxide which will assist in vasodilatation.  Maca has been clinically proven to increase libido.  Horny goat weed standardized for epimedium has also been shown to increase libido and increase testosterone levels.  Tribulus Terrestric extract produces significant increases in levels of DHEA and testosterone.  Yohimbe has been shown to increase erectile function and libido as well as support micro vascular health.  One caution with Yohimbe is its effect on blood pressure.  Yohimbe can increase blood pressure and should be avoided or used cautiously for individuals who have high blood pressure.  Muira Puama has shown a significant improvement in erectile function and sexual desire in men and women.  Natural ingredients like l-arginine, ginseng and ginkgo can benefit the circulatory system, increase blood flow and promote sexual health. 

More Testosterone Helps Men Get Leaner

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

Click above for more information on NGN TNT

Most people know that testosterone is responsible for muscle gains and for sexual health. Testosterone is also a potent fat burner (anti-lipolytic). This is the reason why women and men with low testosterone levels have an easy time gaining fat.

How does testosterone reduce fat gain?

Testosterone, like all androgens, leads to higher density of adrenoreceptors in the fat cells causing fat loss. Testosterone like all steroids, also helps block the cortiscosteroid receptors for the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone which promotes muscle wasting. Testosterone has many other complex actions on the body on the cellular level. It also works synergistically with other hormones in the body, such as growth hormone, to help promote fat loss. Testosterone also converts to estrogen and DHT, both of which also have anti-lipolytic properties to them.

Testosterone causes fat loss or just prevent fat gain?

We have used the term “fat loss” liberally. Testosterone doesn’t inherently cause fat burning, nor does any steroid for that matter. What really happens is it helps protect against fat synthesis( fat gain). Either way of looking at it, they both give the same ultimate result in the end, which is loss of fat.

TNT for More Testosterone

Saturday, February 7th, 2009

Everyone knows testosterone builds muscle and increases sex drive. The question is how to get more of it without ending up in jail and without damaging your body with the negative effects associated with anabolic steroids. This is where natural testosterone compounds come into play. These products work by helping the body produce more testosterone through its own natural processes. One of the strongest products on the market for elevating natural testosterone is Nexx Gen Nutrition’s TNT. TNT uses a blend of seven different testosterone boosting and estrogen clearing compounds. Like many natural test boosting products this formula uses a strong dose of tribulus however this is not the run of the mill tribulus used in most products. TNT uses a tribulus extract that is standardized to 40% protodioscin. Protodioscin is the active part of the tribulus plant that causes your body to increase test production. Acetyl L-Carnitine is also used in this formula for its ability to affect lutenizing hormone. This is the hormone responsible for the signal that goes from the brain to the testicles telling your body how much testosterone to produce. Acetyl L-Carnitine also boosts natural energy levels as well as helping focus and mental clarity. The compound Avena Sativa is added in for its ability to free up testosterone within the body as most of the testosterone circulating in the body is bound up by SHBGH making it unavailable for muscle building purposes. DIM and Resveratrol in TNT help the body naturally rid itself of “bad” estrogens. Eurycoma Longfolia or LongJack was added to promote an optimal hormonal balance as studies have shown it can lower cortisol and increase testosterone. Fenugreek has been shown to bind to testosterone receptors creating more testosterone without shutting off the body’s natural production. This is one of the more effective and complete formulas on the market for natural testosterone production. Check it out the next time you are looking for a boost in performance.