Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Eating on the road
During times of competition, athletes often experience the need to eat out while traveling. In many cases, such as in college and high school athletics, food choices can be limited by finances, time-constraints, and the coach’s personal preferences. In other cases, the athlete has a wide array of choices from which to select his or…
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Dipeptide
A dipeptide is two amino acids linked together by a peptide bond. A compound consisting of two amino acids joined together by a peptide bond (e.g. glycylalanine, a combination of the amino acids glycine and alanine). A derived protein obtained by hydrolysis of proteins or condensation of amino acids.
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Dietary supplement health and education act (DSHEA)
The Dietary supplement health and education act was signed into law in 1994. It allows supplement manufacturers to provide an array of dietary supplements to the public. It also prevents manufacturers from making unsubstantiated claims on supplement containers and labels. While DSHEA provides some protection to consumers, it has often been criticized for failing to…
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Dietary recommendations for athletes
While there are no substitutes for genetic endowment and rigorous training in the achievement of optimal athletic performance, sound nutrition is critical for maximizing athletic potential. The importance of adequate dietary intake for athletes has been recognized for centuries, yet the modern field of sports nutrition is still very young and much is yet to…
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Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis is an herb that has been used for centuries in China as a health stimulant. It is considered a bioactive compound with the purported ability to alter metabolism and has been used to treat multiple conditions including lung, kidney, and cardiovascular problems as well as for body strengthening after illness or strenuous training.…
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Complementary proteins
Complementary proteins are foods that provide proteins that when eaten together supply all of the essential amino acids in proportions required to meet the demands for normal growth and development. Historically, protein complementation, the process of combining complementary proteins within a meal, was considered important for normal protein nutriture of vegetarians; however, most nutritionists now…
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Cation
A cation is an ion with a positive charge. The term ion refers to a chemical that has either a positive or negative charge. An ion with a positive electric charge; opposite of anion. It is attracted by the cathode (negative pole). A positively charged ion that migrates towards the cathode within an electric solution…
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Ciwujia
Ciwujia is an herb from China that has been marketed to enhance fat utilization and endurance performance in animals and humans. Well-designed research currently available does not provide any indication that ciwujia may alter metabolism in a way that can delay fatigue, however. Until solid research supporting an ergogenic benefit is available, ciwujia cannot be…
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Citrus arantium
The purported effects of citrus arantium by purveyors of this herb are increased fat oxidation and greater body fat loss. The suggested active ingredient in these preparations is the compound synephrine. Neither citrus arantium nor synephrine have been well- studied regarding their potential influence on exercise performance.
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Central fatigue theory
Scientists have theorized that since branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are used extensively by muscle tissue for energy during exercise, the subsequent drop in plasma concentrations of BCAA combined with the displacement of tryptophan from albumin by an increase in concentration of free fatty acids can result in perceived exertion and thus premature fatigue. Tryptophan more…
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