What is DHA used for these days?  While the abbreviation could refer to a form of vitamin C, the active ingredient in self-tanning products or a coal tar derivative, it is most commonly used to refer to Docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.  Here’s where you’ll find it and what it’s good for.

The primary dietary source of Docosahexaenoic acid in the human diet is fish and seafood.  At one time, beef, poultry and eggs may have been a source of the nutrient, but as they have been taken off of grass and other greens, fed primarily corn and grain, the foods are no longer sources of the nutrient.  Any omega-3 that they contain is alpha-linolenic acid or ALA.

ALA is an essential fatty acid, but it is not used by the human body “as is”.  It is converted to Eicosapentaenoic acid, which through a series of steps may eventually be converted to Docosahexaenoic acid, but researchers believe that the conversion occurs only under severe circumstances.  They know that only a small amount is converted and that high intakes of ALA do not increase circulating blood levels of Docosahexaenoic acid, which makes it an essential fatty acid, too.

What is DHA used for in the human body?  It is a primary component of brain cells, neurons and the epithelium inside of the eye.  It is believed that regular fish and seafood consumption was what allowed man’s brain to become larger, in the first place.

Low levels of Docosahexaenoic acid are associated with Alzheimer’s and depressive disorders.  Those findings indicate that the nutrient is necessary for the continued health of the brain, not just during early childhood or during fetal development.

What is DHA used for by food manufacturers?  Primarily, it is a food additive.  Until recently, the main use was to fortify infant formulas.  Breast milk is rich in Docosahexaenoic acid.  Cow’s milk and soy, the basis of infant formulas, do not provide the nutrient.

What is DHA used for in the treatment and prevention of diseases?  That is a relatively new field of study, although it began over two decades, ago.  Arthritis, heart disease, and depression are just a few of the conditions that may benefit from  supplementation.

Most cardiologists agree that the primary benefit is in the area of heart disease prevention.  Exactly how much is necessary to provide the benefit is still unclear.  But, most doctors recommend a minimum daily intake of Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid combined.

What is DHA used for?  It’s used by the human body to grow and live.  It is a nutrient essential for good health and long life.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

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There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation, how to use, what to use and how much to use.  In this article you will find the pick of today’s latest supplements on the market and armed with the right information you will have the knowledge to burn more body fat and have more energy for the things you want to do.

Remember that supplements do not replace proper diet and exercise but when used with the right training and weight loss program may help you make faster progress towards your weight loss goals.

Please remember that before taking on a training and supplementation program and if you are on medication always consult with your physician first. Now lets have a look at the supplements:

Chitosan

Chitosan is a fibre whose fat-binding ability is so strong that it can be used effectively to promote weight loss.  The most important health property of dietary fibre is its ability to bind to fat molecules in the digestive system, which in turn are excreted.

Since Chitosan can’t be digested, the fat absorbed is passed out of the body. Together with a low fat eating plan and regular exercise, Chitosan is a great choice for keeping off those unwanted pounds. Try taking 15 minutes before a meal to inhibit fat absorption.

Dosage: as per the bottle

Ma Huang

A popular Asian herb that has been used for over 5,000 years is Ma Huang; it was first used by the ancient Chinese people as a decongestant.

The active ingredient is ephedrine, which has been shown to contain powerful fat burning characteristics which can enhance thermogenesis, the body’s burning of fat for energy.

It also increases the basal metabolic rate, which allows your body to burn calories faster and more efficiently. By mobilizing stored fat and carbohydrate reserves, Ma Huang works to reduce your appetite and aids in helping you lose excess weight.

Try combining with White willow bark and Guarana as the fat burning and muscle sparring effects of this stack are fantastic.   

Dosage 300mgs twice a day.

Zhi Shi

Citrus aurantium is commonly referred to as bitter orange. Zhi shi is the immature dried fruit of citrus aurantium. Zhi Shi may be more thermogenic than ephedrine and has fewer side effects.

It can also be very effective stimulating the metabolism (this stimulation causes an
increase in the metabolic rate which burns calories) without any undesirable effects on the nervous system. Citrus aurantium may also act as an appetite suppressant.

Try combining with caffeine, white willow bark, cayenne and green tea for greater thermogenic action.  

Dosage 300mg three times a day.

Pyruvate

Pyruvate is naturally occurring substance found in weight loss and herbal ‘fat-burners’.

Studies have show that using diet pills containing pyruvate while restricting caloric intake slightly and participating in strength training will boost your metabolism resulting in weight loss.

Pyruvate produces ATP, which makes it a great supplement to take with creatine and ALC (Alpha Lipioc Acid) comes in Sodium and Calcium, try Calcium.  

Dosage 1gram to 5grams per day.

Bcaas

Branched Chain Amino Acids, are essential amino acids, which means that the body by itself cannot produce them so sufficient quantities must be obtained from
supplementation.

The three Bcaas (Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine) make up approximately 70 percent of the amino acids in the body. Bcaas are unique in that they are utilized directly by muscle tissue during long workouts.

Since your body only has a limited number of these amino acids, it can be forced to break down lean muscle tissue when dietary sources aren’t meeting your needs.

Bcaas can be found in most good protein powders these days.  

Dosage 5 grams – 15 grams

Ribose

Ribose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in all living cells and in one of the simplest molecules used by the body to build and restore energy.

Ribose is very important for the production of ATP. ATP is the major source of energy used by cells including muscle tissue for normal function. Ribose has been shown to increase muscular levels, boost endurance, and promote recovery!  It is also an important way to increase your energy levels.

Another new supplement which looks very promising.

Follow dosage on the bottle.

Nacn-Acetyl-Cysteine

Nac is a powerful anti-oxidant and its ability to neutralize free radicals helps slow down the ageing process.

Nac has all the properties of l-cysteine and may be the most cost effective way to boost peptide levels in the body. Nac has been shown to safeguard against a variety of toxic hazards such as cigarette smoke, auto exhaust, and certain herbicides.

It can also play a beneficial role in prostate and respiratory conditions. Surprisingly, it is more effective than supplementing with cysteine, methionine, or even glutathione itself!  A very good cost effective anti-oxidant.

Follow dosage on the bottle.

Multi-Vitamins and Minerals

Multi-vitamin and mineral supplements are perhaps the most important single supplement that can be consumed by bodybuilders and athletes and the
first supplement you should buy.

For the human body to perform at its optimum, it must be fed a vast supply of vital nutrients. If the body becomes deficient in just one of these essential vitamins or minerals optimum efficiency and performance declines.

People think that since you can not put on pounds of muscle that they are a waste of time to take them but if your body is deficient in just one of the essential vitamins and minerals you will never reach your full potential. Try and buy the Multis that have the higher potency mineral formulas.

So please remember a supplement is something added to the diet to make up for a nutritional deficiency or imbalance they are not intended to substitute for eating a balanced diet.  If they are to be taken at all they should only be used to supplement the diet and not replace it.

Mick enjoys writing articles and web design. Check out his latest web site about pink office chairs and office chair mats

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/recommended-supplements-for-weight-loss-1325158.html