Long jack / Tongkat Ali

The definition and Science:
Long jack or Tongkat Ali is a clinically researched herb, which has been used for centuries to boost testerone.
The plant Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a flowering plant native to Indonesia and theregions of Malaysia. It is a samll evergreen treewhich became popular for it's testerone enhancing properties and is well known for it's aphrodisiac properties.
The supplement is not a drug, but when extract of the root is taken it increases testerone production and as aresult increases muscle size.
Health Risks;
There have been substantial amounts of claims made against the use of this supplement as it has been linked to insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. Tongkat ali should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or children.
Because tongkat ali increases testosterone levels it should not be used by men with breast cancer or prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea.
Tongkat ali should not be used by people with weakened immune systems as some evidence suggests it may further weaken immune function.
Usage and Benefits:
In the past the extract was used to treat sexual dysfunction in males or to increase libido. In this context, Jacks is used to increase muscle size and strength "naturally."
Users of Long Jack often comment that they would never go back to any other Testosterone supplement ever again. It's Testosterone boosting abilities can also mean higher sex drive and a better feeling of well-being.
LA Muscle's Long Jack is the only Pharmaceutical Grade product of its kind.
As a guideline, you should take at least 1.5 to 2 grams of quality protein per lb of bodyweight per day. This should be spaced out throughout the day. You should also train heavy and hard, on a split routine.
Tablets are taken three times a day and are used on a continuos basis.
Final Thoughts;
A legal option for those considering boosting their testosterone levels, there is evidence that this product is indeed a hazard if used improperly. Should you wish to take a course you would be advised to research it personally and only in cases where you are of perfect health. The gains are real, but so too are the risks.
Good product but proceed with care.

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"Pain is Just the feeling of Weakness leaving the body."

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Muscle Milk is good stuff. It's whey protein and a few other goodies. For NO2 - Explode, see my post on Arginine. That will give you a pretty good summary of NO2 products.

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Floyd Mayweather!!!! I hate your guts, but DAMN, I respect your game!!

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BCAA's

(Branched Chain Amino Acids)


Definition and Science:

Amino acids are the chemical units, or “building blocks” that make up human muscle tissue. Protein quality is measured by the amount of the specific amino’s within it.

The 22 amino acids are the molecular building blocks of proteins. 9 are referred to as essential, meaning that they must be supplied from some food or supplement source, and the others, which are known as non-essential, or more correctly, dispensable or conditionally indispensable, are based on the body's ability to synthesize them from other amino acids.

L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine are the most important group of amino acids for athletes. Around 33% of muscle protein consists of BCAA’s. Even moderate exercise causes levels of BCAA’s to drop rapidly which results in muscle tissue breakdown (catabolism), fatigue, and a drop in testosterone levels.

Benefits to you:

Amino acids are essential to the human body and athletes can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue. The body, through assimilation of amino acids, produces over 50,000 proteins and over 15,000 enzymes. Amino acids are not only responsible for the production of all the body's enzymes (including digestive enzymes), but they also play a key role in normalizing moods, concentration, aggression, attention, sleep, and sex drive. After protein is consumed, it is broken down into amino acids. Then, individual amino acids are used to create necessary body proteins and enzymes. Digestive enzymes break down the proteins a person consumes into amino acids.

The benefits are broken down below....

Maximizes lean muscle growth

Optimises post-workout recovery

Maintenance of cells

Maintenance of tissues

Helps avoid muscle degeneration

When To Take:

Personally the best time to take BCAA's are basically anytime your body is in a catabolic state. This is mainly first thing on a morning when you've fasted for around 8 hours. Also immediately after training when your body is in a very catabolic state. Basically comsuming BCAA's at this time changes your body's state from a state of catabalism to a state of anabalism.

Why Not Use Just Whey?:

The simple answer is....BCAA's are readily broken down (from protein molecules) so they can be absorbed into the bloodtsream immediately.

Dosage:

Only around 3-5grams are required per serving. In capsule form this translates to between 6-10 capsules. Personally i like mega dose BCAA's.

Final Thoughts:

I'd say BCAA's are a must for any athlete. They are very cheap (around £15 for 500 capsules). They prevent muscle breakdown which is basically your main goal when wanting to build lean muscle. Other protein based foods and supplements do this aswell but they need to be broken down first so your body would spend more time in a catabolic state (which is bad). Below i've explained (basically) the process of protein digestion. Hopefully this will give you a clear view of why BCAA's are important.....

When consumed, protein takes the form of very complex molecules arranged in chains of amino acids. So the bonds binding these complex molecules together must first be broken down. This digestive process begins in the stomach (unlike starch, which begins in the mouth), where hydrochloric acid attacks the protein molecules separating them and breaking them down into amino acids. Once this has happened the gastric enzyme pepsin starts to digest the amino acids.

BCCA's bypass the initial digestion stage which enables muscle repair to begin much quicker than it would do without supplementation.