Valentin Bosioc
When it comes to building muscles, most fitness enthusiasts only think about protein supplements like whey protein, creatine, and amino acids. However, what people don’t know is that herbs are actually the oldest supplements in history. For ages, herbs have been used for either medicinal or health purposes and the ancient sports men relied on herbal medicine for boosting their energy and fueling their bodies. Nowadays, there are quite a number of herbs that are used by bodybuilders as part of their bodybuilding diet. To take your fitness journey to another level, here are the herbs with amazing benefits for bodybuilding enthusiasts.
Arginine
Arginine belongs to a group known as branch chain amino acids, which help decrease delayed onset muscle soreness. Arginine specifically helps with fat metabolism, protein synthesis, and muscle conditioning. It also serves as a precursor for the compound nitric oxide that boosts performance through increasing blood flow and reducing muscle damage.
Ashwagandha
This herb belongs to the group of herbs known as an adaptogen that help you react to stress and also ensure there is a balance of androgen. Apart from curbing stress, consistent use of Ashwagandha also helps you to increase your endurance.
Maca
If you are in need of stamina and a steady supply of energy then Maca is definitely the herb to go with. Thanks to its anabolic properties, Maca herbs are very effective in increasing the strength and size of muscle as you train. It also supports quick recovery of muscles after training, higher tolerance for stress, and the balance of hormones.
Ginkgo
This is an herbal antioxidant that has the ability to absorb the reactive free-radicals. This in turn prevents the damage of body cells and DNA. It also prevents the formation of the new free-radicals, thus improving blood circulation in the body. Since it is able to promote alertness, concentration, and mental clarity, it helps athletes focus and perform better in the gym.
Green Tea
Being the most popular supplement out there, Green tea helps increase fat metabolism, energy levels, and calorie in the body. This compound helps strengthen the immune system and improves cognitive performance. The herb is brewed and consumed as tea just like Kratom tea. It contains a compound called theophylline, which is also present in Caffeine. Also, there is also a lot of evidence that shows it is very helpful when it comes to losing weight.
Tribulus Terrestris
This Ayurvedic herb has been used ever since the ancient times to treat libido. However, it has recently gotten much attention among bodybuilders after being found to have the ability to raise testosterone levels. Several studies have shown that this herb increases serum testosterone levels through the increase of luteinizing hormone.
Eleuthero
This herb is known to help boost energy as well as increase strength. Other benefits of using Eleuthero include lowering stress, increasing mental performance, helping your body maintain an optimum level of glycogen, and also breaking down lactic acid which is known to cause muscle soreness.
Gynostemma
This relative of the cucumber plant helps increase your ability to tolerate fatigue as well as depleted oxygen levels when exercising. It also strengthens your cardiac system and stimulates the release of the very useful compound nitric oxide.
Whether you are a bodybuilder or an athlete, adding any of these herbs to your diet will definitely make you feel stronger and more energized. However, these herbs are not meant to totally replace your diet and exercise, but just supplement your muscle-building diet. Now that you have read this, we hope that you will develop a new appreciation for how herbs have helped improve fitness and wellness over the years.
