Are BCAAs effective for muscle growth?
Dietary protein provides amino acids as building blocks for muscle tissue. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a subclass of amino acids that have potent anabolic properties. Therefore, BCAAs are popular supplements. However, should you take BCAAs in supplemental form or just consume them as part of complete protein?
[Read more…] about Only a short muscle growth response to BCAAs?
Do different types of fat have different effects on body composition?
It is well established that caloric balance (ingested calories minus calories burned) is the most important determinant of changes in bodyweight. However, this does not mean that all foods or nutrients will have exactly the same impact on body composition.
[Read more…] about Unsaturated fat is better during bulking?
Do non-responders to endurance training exist?
Some people claim they cannot improve their fitness no matter how hard they train. These people are sometimes called hardgainers or non-responders.
[Read more…] about Non-responders to cardio exist don’t exist?
Can drinking water boost metabolism?
Drinking a lot of water is sometimes suggested as a simple way to stimulate metabolic rate. This means that energy expenditure increases, which can ultimately result in weight/fat loss.
Specifically, it is suggested that the ingested water is heated up to body temperature, which requires energy. However, is this really the case?
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Do you need to add carbs to protein to maximize muscle growth?
Eating, and especially eating carbohydrates, results in the release of the hormone insulin.
Insulin helps to get nutrients into the cells. Therefore, it could be speculated that insulin helps amino acids (the building blocks of protein) to get into the muscle.
[Read more…] about Adding carbs to protein does not further stimulate muscle growth
Do calf muscles have a poor muscle growth response to training?
It is a common belief that it is relatively hard to grow the calf muscles compared to other muscle groups. Is this a myth or is there some truth to it?
[Read more…] about Calf muscles have a poor growth response?