Animal Cuts Reviewed

Alpha Lipoic Acid, one of the most potent and active antioxidants since it is both a water soluble and fat soluble antioxidant. Alpha Lipoic Acid affects cellular metabolism and may speed up cellular energy production to help cells to heal faster.

Betaine HCL is a source of hydrochloric acid that occurs naturally and is as well a non-essential nutrient that assists in digesting food by breaking proteins and fats. Betaine HCL is essential for absorption of calcium, protein, iron and vitamin B12. This is a hydrochloric acid that destroys the microorganisms and ingested bacteria. Betaine HCL is taking by people having reduced stomach acid levels. There is no proper food source to enhance the levels. The acidity is strong and this is supplemented in the tablets or capsules form in grains or milligrams. There is no adverse effects detected, but further studies are being done. Betaine HCL is effective for Asthma, Thyroid, arthritis, diarrhea, gallstones and food allergies. Betaine HCL should be discontinued immediately if one experiences a burning sensation. Nursing or pregnant women and children or people with severe kidney or liver disease should shun away from taking this nutrient. Even people having a history of gastritis or ulcers should consult doctor.

Choline is an essential nutrient grouped with the Vitamin B complex and an organic compound. It is a natural amine can be found in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and in the lipids which are in the cell membranes. Most well known supplement for choline is lecithin, but generally choline is found in egg yolks, soy, wheat germ and beef and poultry livers. Choline is commonly added to supplements which are deemed to reduce excess body fat, because of the claim that choline helps the body metabolize cholesterol and fat. In humans there is a choline transporter, which allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is believed to have nootropic effects, improving the cognitive abilities and memory.

Chromium Picolinate - The popular nutritional supplement, which has been invented to treat chromium deficiency, is also a popular weight loss and muscle growth product. Due to the chromium role it plays in sugar and lipid metabolism in humans, it has been deemed helpful as a supplement, in particular with the body building communities. The argument is that chromium picolinate improves the uptake of glucose by enhancing the effect insulin has in the body, providing better blood circulation. Bad dietary habits, in particular in the United States, have lead to the population verging on the brim of chromium deficiency. Body Building aficionados really require a wholly balanced diet, which in turn requires adequate amounts of chromium be present in the metabolism, even more so if the individual is practicing a serious exercise program.

Chromium Polynicotinate is a nutritional supplement designed primarily as nutritional support for certain conditions that are typical for sufferers from diabetes mellitus type 2 or age related diabetes. Recent studies have revealed that supplemented chromium can reduce high blood glucose levels, lowering or eliminating nonenzymatic glycation. Further studies reveal that supplementing chromium polynicotinate can help with depression symptoms as well as reduce systolic blood pressure elevation caused by sucrose. People with chromium deficiencies have trouble maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Chromium polynicotinate can assist in regulating the levels of blood sugar, but it also helps with the control of cholesterol, promote the fat removal process and encourage buildup of lean muscles. For these characteristics it is a popular supplement for body building and any muscle building sports enthusiasts.

Citrilene (Hydroxycitric acid)- Citrilene is derived from citric acid found in tropical plants. Citrilene suppresses the appetite and makes your feel full because of its increased production glucose and glycogen. It helps the body to make use of glycogen efficiently. It inhibits ATP-citrate lyase enzyme responsible for producing fat and effectively triggers off safe weight loss. It enhances glycogen production in the liver and converts the body proteins and fats into glucose. After the discovery of Citrilene, it is being used as a major component in several weight loss medicines. It is being used since centuries in Southeast Asian as a food condiment to make food rich and enjoyable. Since it increases the production of glucose and glycogen it could be dangerous when used by diabetic patients as it increases the level of insulin in the body.

Dandelion - Taraxacum with the common name dandelion are common weeds, flowering plants that are found worldwide, but are native to the Old World, or the temperate areas of Europe and North America. Effects of the dandelion extract are multiple, for once, it is believed to be a diuretic, because of the salt and water excretion induction from the kidneys. It contains luteolin, a flavonoid and very common. It is very important as an antioxidant, feeding on free radicals, preventing inflammation and promoting the carbohydrate metabolism. It is believed that dandelion, or luteolin for that matter, plays a vital part in the prevention of cancer and that it is an immune system modulator. Besides other positive aspects, like lessening the effects of herpes, genital warts and also helping with problems regarding dyspepsia, liver and gallbladder, it helps with treatment of obesity prone patients.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which is also known under the name epigallocatechin 3-gallate, is the ester of catechin, gallic acid and epigallocatechin. It is found in tea and is believed to be one of the most important antioxidants today. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate is currently investigated for the inhibitory effects on the life cycle of HIV-1 virus, the human immunodeficiency virus type 1, which causes AIDS. Although EGCG has shown significant benefits in laboratory studies, the clinical trials on humans have not been conducted yet. The antioxidant qualities of EGCG and the associated reduction of free radicals have made epigallocatechin 3-gallate a very popular supplement, especially with the body building and athletic communities. It is furthermore suggested that EGCG has therapeutic potential with several forms of cancer and in setting of liver fibrosis.

Ginger Root- Ginger is a very popular spice and has been used for culinary purposes for ages. Besides the widespread use in the cuisine of many nations, several traditional medicines, including the Indian and Chinese medicinal practices, have used this Zingiber officinale, as the Latin name goes, for its pain relieving, anti allergenic and anti inflammatory activities. Further uses have been noted for treatment of various ailments of the digestive tract, such as diarrhea and nausea, but also as general stomach settlers. While the use of the ginger root extract has been used in ginger beer and ginger ale beverages, the use as dietary supplement or component in nutritional supplement concoctions is relatively recent. The volatile oils of the ginger root extract have been noted for the antibacterial, analgesic, sedative and antipyretic properties.

Grapefruit Extract, also known as citrus seed extract is a liquid that is derived from the seeds, pulp as well as the white membranes of grapefruit. Some scientists claim that grapefruit extract possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties while others recommend it for the treatment of earache, throat infections etc. There are two ways in which grapefruit extract is prepared. One is the natural, self-made grapefruit extract which is made by grinding the seed and pulp and then mixing them with glycerine. The second method is the commercial way in which the seed, pulp, glycerine and synthetic preservatives are all blended together. Grapefruit extract is believed to have a lot of scope in the health food industry. However one has to be careful as grapefruit can have several interactions with certain drugs like warfarin.

Guarana- The active constituent of guarana is caffeine, which means that it should not be used alongside ephedrine as either a dietary aid or in order to stimulate performance. The American Food and Drug Administration has not tested its effectiveness or its purity as they do not class it as a drug. Guarana has many other names including Brazilian cocoa and may be a constituent of non alcoholic drinks imported from South America. Because of possible adverse reactions it is not recommended for anyone with a heart condition or who has kidney disease, high blood pressure or who suffers from anxiety.

Guggulsterone is a plant sterol found in the resin of the guggul plant, Commiphora mukul. It acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor, which was earlier believed to result in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Inositol Monophosphate is a carbocyclic polyol and secondary messenger in eukaryotic cells, where it is crucial for several of the cellular functions, including cell growth, migration, endocytosis and cell differentiation. Myo-inositol used to be classified as the Vitamin B8, belonging to the Vitamin B complex, but further scientific studies have found that it could be synthesized by the body, therewith disqualifying it as a vitamin. Of all the functions that inositol has been associated with, mostly biological processes, like nerve guidance, serotonin activity modulation, gene expression and intracellular calcium concentration control; for the body building and athletic community the breakdown of fats and reduction of blood cholesterol seem to be most significant, besides the cell membrane potential maintenance.

L-Carnitine is yet another weight loss supplement that also is an antioxidant and has effects on male infertility, diabetes, and bone mass and fatty acid metabolism.

L-Theanine , which is believed to relax the body while consuming high amounts of caffeine, yet stimulate alpha wave brain activity to maintain mental alertness.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the conversion of food into energy so that it may be used by the body. Niacin also helps metabolize protein, sugar and fat.

Octopamine is a biogenic substance which is containing an amine group, apparently related to noradrenaline, which is a catecholamine functioning as both, neurotransmitter and a hormone. Similar to norepinephrine, which is another name for noradrenaline, octopamine may act as a stress hormone, triggering increased heart rate, energy consumption and blood flow, even the blood pressure. One side effect of octopamine is apparently the release of fat from the adipocytes, which are the fat cells where excess energy is being stored. This side effect prompted the use of octopamine as a dietary supplement aimed at weight loss, but used in combination with other stimulants. Octopamine has been discovered in the middle of the twentieth century, but the use as a fat removal agent is very recent.

PEA (Phenylethylamine), which is also known as Beta-Phenylethylamine, is a supplement, which favors aggression and is supposed to raise mental alertness, focus, and ability to concentrate. It is believed to also promote energy. In clinical trials it has been observed that infusion of Beta-Phenylethylamine raises the extracellular dopamine count, furthermore inhibiting the dopamine transmitter DA neuron firings. An additional activity is seen through the Beta-Phenylethylamine modulation of noradrenergic transmissions. It is viewed as a stimulant, but the lack or disturbed amounts of PEA have been observed in people with attention deficit and the hyperactivity disorders, people suffering from depression, schizophrenia, migraine and phenylketonuria. The obvious antidepressant qualities are paired with the increased wakefulness, which may lead to difficulty falling asleep, but improve motivation when exercising or training.

Phenylalanine- (S) alpha Amino beta phenylpropionic acid, or L-Phenylalanine, is an essential, electrically neutral amino acid, one of the twenty amino acids that are used by the human body to create proteins. L-Phenylalanine can also be turned into L-Tyrosine, also an amino acid, which converts into L-DOPA, a precursor to catecholamines like epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. While it is naturally found in breast milk and also milk of mammals, it is also a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame, found in many diet soft drinks. Other sources of phenylalanine include beef, poultry, pork, seafood, sesame seeds, soy milk, walnuts, flax seed, cottage cheese and asparagus. Although widely available through food, L-Phenylalanine is also marketed as a supplement, particularly for body builders where muscle growth is the main factor.

Soy Isoflavones are antioxidants and organic compounds that are related to the flavonoids, which are secondary metabolites in plants. Derived from soybeans, isoflavones genistein and daidzein are won. These two isoflavones are able to interact with estrogen receptors, causing similar effects. Genistein, although an antioxidant, on the other hand stimulates oxidation in nitrate synthesis. This chemical substance, mainly found in plants, belongs to the group of polyphenols, together with gallic acid esters of glucose and other sugars, lignins and condensed tannins. For a short time they were classified as Vitamin P, where the health benefits are believed to be mainly with the reduction of risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Genistein is also believed to act inhibitory on certain substances that promote growth factors.