RESEARCH

Ashwagandha, another Black Panther film? Unfortunately not. Ashwagandha, aka winter cherry, is considered a marvel in its own right due to the amount of health benefits it possesses. Ashwagandha is derived from the word “ashwa”, meaning horse, and “gandha,” meaning fragrance. It was once believed that consuming this root would provide one with powers similar to that of a horse. That’s not too far off. The benefits this root provides may not allow you to pull the Budweiser cart with your fellow Clydesdales but may provide protection to your heart, nervous system, hormonal action (increased testosterone), as well as provide...

Why is there taurine in my pre-workout or in my energy drink? First, we need to understand what taurine is and why it is used in many energy drinks and pre-workout supplements. Taurine, is derived from the Latin word meaning bull or ox hence “Taurus” in astrological signs. Taurine was first derived from ox bile in the early 1800s, NO there is no bile in your energy drink or pre-workout supplement. Taurine is the most abundant amino acid found in the human body and is thought to hold the key to the prevention of aging. Perhaps it’s the fountain of...

I know that there are many hardcore exercise enthusiasts who feel that it’s the caffeine in the pre-workout that provides them with a burst of energy that will carry him or her through their workout. Is that what caffeine does? Is caffeine needed? Is it safe? How much should I be taking? These are just a few questions that are asked by those interested in taking pre-workout supplements. Understanding what caffeine is and how it works may shed some light on the subject of its use. First and foremost, caffeine is a drug, more specifically it’s the main alkaloid compound...