I know we talked a bit about how important Protein is but here are a few things you may not know about that incredible powder: As a bodybuilder, you’re probably continuously being asked the same thing by family, friends, and co-workers… “Why do you need that much protein?” Of course the answer will probably be an explanation of how protein delivers amino acids to muscle cells so that they can grow. Of course, protein has a wealth of other benefits. Sharing this list with them might encourage them to consume a little more protein, even if they don’t’ wish to build muscle tissue. Lower cholesterol Removing carbohydrates from the diet, and replacing them with an identical number of protein grams, has been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and raise levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind). In most people, a small lifestyle change such as swapping out two carb sources per day with good protein sources can provide a long-term cholesterol lowering effect. Lower blood pressure A little-known and only recently studied phenomenon has been the use of protein to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of hypertension. The theory behind this belief is fundamentally sound, and the data is emerging to support this. If you are at risk for high blood pressure, lowering carb intake and replacing with protein sources might be a good idea. Fewer strokes This might be inversely related to the above two factors. But incomplete studies show that those who intake more protein and less carbs have fewer strokes. If additional studies on food intake and mortality statistics further confirm this, a major shift in nutritional requirements for health could emerge.
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-TRAINING IS THE ENGINE... -PROTEIN IS THE GASOLINE... -AND JUICE IS THE NITROUS OXIDE... Pain is temporary, glory is forever,
A recent study examined the muscle fibers of powerlifters who use anabolic steroids, versus powerlifters who do not use anabolic steroids. The findings were somewhat surprising.
Initially, researchers found that the fibers on users of AAS were bigger. This was interesting, as it helps to explain muscle memory, the ability to return to a previously held level. Also, it helped demonstrate why some people can use steroids for a few years and will remain bigger than their non-user counterparts, even after halting use.
Additionally, researchers discovered much larger “nuclear” domains in the muscle group. This translated to mean that in steroid users, even years after stopping use of steroids, the cell nuclei remain large. Inside of every single muscle cell in the body, despite a lack of steroids in the system for a period of years, the cell nucleus has grown and remains large forever. Arms, legs, and chest will always be bigger as a result, even in untrained men.
This bodes well for people considering using anabolic steroids for a few years, then returning to normal life. They will keep most of the muscle gains – or at the very least, retain them in their muscle memory. They will always have more muscle size than people who have never used, all other things being equal.
Does this affect people who claim to be “natural” even though they ran a cycle five or ten years ago? Absolutely. A man who trains with steroids from age 20 to 30, then doesn’t touch them for 7 years, can compete in any natural bodybuilding organization. Is this fair to the natural 37-year old bodybuilder who has never touched a drug in his life? Of course not. The former drug user is going to have a distinct advantage in terms of muscle size. Additionally, he’ll be able to add muscle and lose body fat as a natural at a much faster rate than will the bodybuilder who has been a consistent natural all of his life...
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-TRAINING IS THE ENGINE... -PROTEIN IS THE GASOLINE... -AND JUICE IS THE NITROUS OXIDE... Pain is temporary, glory is forever,
