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Questions about Active Nutrition? We've got Answers to Help You!

    Active Nutrition Basics

    What's one of the best proteins I can take?

    The latest scientific evidence suggests the more active we are, the greater our bodies requirement for high-quality protein. This is why supplementing with protein is a must with Active Individuals and Athletes.

    Coined the "king" of the proteins, research shows that whey protein is possibly the highest quality protein available. This makes whey an essential part of any Athlete's, Weight trainer's, or Fitness Enthusiasts' success program.

    I hear a lot about whey protein; how can I benefit from it?

    • Increases the anabolic environment and prevents muscle breakdown, thereby assisting the muscle-building effects of intense weight training and exercise.
    • Enhances muscle recovery after exercise and workouts.
    • Provides the most optimal source of amino acids (the major building blocks of muscle); critical for the repair and growth of muscle tissue.
    • Boosts immune function by increasing levels of glutathione (the most potent antioxidant in the body).
    • Helps to maintain balanced nutrition, by supporting both healthy weight-loss and muscle enhancing nutritional programs.

    Why should I care about processing methods when it comes to my whey protein?

    Answer: Because not all whey proteins are created equal.

    The reason why not all whey proteins are equal comes down to the way in which they are processed. You see, whey protein is often processed to remove lactose and fat. However, in order for it to maintain it's high biological value, it must be processed under careful low temperature and low acid conditions, so as not to "denature" the protein. This is essential in order to maintain and reap even more of whey's biological value, immune stimulating, and health enhancing benefits.

    Scientific evidence supports the above facts, stating that the way in which whey proteins are processed can have a significant impact on their protein content and the body's assimilation and absorption. For example, whey protein powder in its simple form has 30% or less total protein content, whey protein concentrate has between 30-85% protein and lastly whey protein isolates, which have the highest with 90% or higher protein content.

    In the case of whey protein isolates (the most expensive type), there are two processing methods, ion exchange filtration and cross-flow micro-filtration. Both are used to process particular components of the total whey protein, resulting in an end protein with extremely high assimilation and beneficial properties.

    Active Individuals and Athletes who are seeking quick recovery with the benefits of whey protein, should seriously consider the more expensive, fast assimilated whey isolates alone or in a multi-protein blend, before and after intense training for optimal recovery.

    Enhanced benefits of Whey protein isolates

    • Highest protein content (90%) of all whey protein types.
    • Virtually lactose free.
    • Highest biological value.
    • Features all the benefits of whey.

    InterActive Nutrition Supplements that containing exclusive Whey Protein Isolates:

    IsoWhey™ protein.

    InterACTIVE Nutrition Products containing exclusive whey protein isolates:

    Why Whey and Egg Protein?

    Many fitness enthusiasts and athletes often wonder which protein is the best choice, for achieving their performance goals: whey or egg?. Not surprisingly this is also among the highest debated topics in nutrition among scholars. That being said, there is evidence to suggest that it may be beneficial to consume a balance of different protein types in order to reap the unique benefits that each offers. Let's examine two of the most sought after proteins.

    Egg

    Research shows that egg protein is nature's most perfect form of body-soluable protein. In fact, egg protein is the standard to which all other forms of protein are measured and it has the highest protein efficiency ratio (PER).

    Benefits of Egg Protein

    • Highest levels of alanine, arginine, glycine and methine.
    • Fat Free

    InterActive Nutrition Supplements that contain Whey and Egg in their Protein Blend

    Mammoth 2500™

    I'm very active in sports. How can I can I speed up my recovery so I'm not too sore the next day?

    Glutamine is used by Active Individuals and Athletes, who engage in exercise and/or sports, to help them recover faster from exercise. Glutamine is especially important during times of intense training and dieting.

    Why should I be interested in Glutamine?

    Clinical studies show that Glutamine increases levels of growth hormone, which could lead to greater muscle gains and fat loss. One study, showed that two grams of glutamine caused a quadruple increase in growth-hormone levels.

    Other studies indicate that Glutamine plays a significant role in protein synthesis and improving glycogen replenishment. This supports a reduction in muscle wasting.

    When Active Individuals and Athletes, ranging from weight lifters to endurance athletes, are under intense training they need to ensure that they are recovering as quickly as possible. Otherwise they will be in an overtrained state, otherwise known as over-training syndrome. In this overtrained state low levels of glutamine are evident as well a decrease in performance and gains.

    To avoid the unproductive effects of over-training syndrome, supplementing with Glutamine has been shown to increase levels in the body, helping to shuttle other amino acids into muscle cells and in turn improving recovery and gains.

    As research shows, Glutamine has numerous performance and health benefits to those exercising. Consider Glutamine as an essential part a complete nutrition and exercise program.

    Benefits of Glutamine:

    • Enhances muscle recovery
      Aids in shuttling amino acids into muscle cells to improve exercise recovery.
    • Boosts muscle gains
      Stimulates cell volumizing, which encourages muscles growth and protein synthesis.
    • Supports healthy immune function
      Enhances the functioning of the immune system for optimal health.
    • Reduces muscle wasting (catabolism)
      Aids in improving nitrogen retention, thereby reducing muscle breakdown, so to encourage muscle recovery and growth.
    • Increases growth hormone release
      Studies show, that under the right conditions, consuming a serving of Glutamine before bed, boosts growth hormone during sleep.
    • Accelerates fat burning
      Aids in supporting a healthy metabolism which is conducive to burning fat and calories.

    What is the difference between L-Glutamine and Glutamine peptides?

    Here are the main differences between L-glutamine and glutamine peptides:

    Glutamine peptides:

    • Have been predigested or broken down (hydrolysed).
    • Are considered a superior form of Glutamine because the Glutamine is not "free"; instead it is bound to other amino acids with peptide bonds, making them more stable, and thus better assimilated by the body.

    L-glutamine on the other hand is "free form," meaning it is "free" from being bonded to other amino acids, which makes it less stable, although still quite beneficial.

    To ensure optimal benefits of Glutamine, you may consider a formula that combines the two types of Glutamine, L-glutamine and Glutamine peptides. Doing so would ensure greater uptake, absorption, and stability in the body.

    Why creatine?

    Creatine is by far one of the more exciting natural performance supplements ever introduced. It is exciting because it's results are experienced right away. In a nutshell, creatine supplies muscle cells with a fast dose of energy, enabling Active Individuals and Athletes to train harder and longer. This leads to faster and greater strength, which leads to greater muscle growth and enhanced performance. To truly reap the greatest benefits of creatine, research suggests that creatine absorption appears to be enhanced when it is consumed with a drink that is high in high-glycemic, insulin-releasing carbohydrates, such as grape juice, or through supplementation with a creatine transport system.

    Benefits of Creatine

    • Promotes muscle gains.
    • Forces muscle cells to become larger and stronger by stimulating protein synthesis and decreasing protein breakdown within muscle tissue.
    • Increases the volume of cells within muscle tissue, causing muscles to become fuller, creating an improved environment for muscle growth.
    • Helps to delay fatigue during exercise, by stimulating the energy process known as ATP-energy (Adenoside-tri-phosphate), thereby providing the body with a fast supply of energy.

    What is a carbohydrate drink mix and why should I use one?

    Carbohydrate drink mixes are designed to boost athletic performance by providing the body with a dose of carbohydrates to help it create energy. They are used by Active Men and Women in all kinds of athletic activities ranging from cycling, marathons, triathlons, weight lifting and soccer, just to name a few.

    Carbohydrate drinks typically contain a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates. For simple carbohydrates, you'll often find listed as ingredients sucrose, glucose, and fructose; for complex carbohydrates, look for glucose polymers and maltodextrins.

    The higher quality formulated carbohydrate drinks usually contain a combination of simple and complex carbohydrate sources with a higher percentage of complex carbohydrates. This kind of formulation is ideal for sustained energy during exercise since complex carbohydrates provide energy in a steady supply.

    Benefits of carbohydrate drinks:

    • Help to satisfy thirst while replenishing and boosting energy levels.
    • Are ideal prior to exercise for energy and afterwards to replenish glycogen; for optimal recovery.
    • Help to spare protein as an energy source.

    I want to burn fat! Why a hormone enhancer with a thermogenic formula?

    One would think that dieting for long periods of time would have a positive effect on one's metabolism; that is, to increase it, helping the body get leaner. Ironically though, research shows that dieting (cutting back calories) for long periods of time in fact causes a reduction in metabolism. The body feels that it is starving and, as a defense mechanism, slows down your metabolism to preserve energy.

    The lesson to be learnt here is that cutting calories is fine, so long as your metabolism does not slow down. A way to solve this is by stimulating the production of testosterone and thyroid hormone during dieting.

    A set of ingredients which research shows have positive effects on testosterone stimulation is Tribulus Terrestris and, for thyroid stimulation, Guggul Extracts.

    Taking a supplement which includes these ingredients will help your body maintain an efficient fat burning metabolism during dieting.

    Benefits:

    • Maintaining normal levels of these hormones is essential to preventing a decline in metabolism during dieting.
    • Maintain and build muscle while dieting.

    I'm on the go, and don't want to bother with mixing powders, what can you suggest?

    Today's nutrition bars are fast and compact nutrition products designed specifically for Active Individuals and Athletes on the go! They range from meal replacement bars to high protein and low carb, high carb and medium protein, to just about any variation in between. So, no matter where your goals are taking you, you can be sure to find the right nutrition bar to help meet your specific nutrition needs.

    How can I benefit from Nutrition Bars?

    • Convenient way to stick to your nutrition program when on the go.
    • Designed to meet just about any nutrition program.

    I want maximum performance; are there any products that would interest me?

    Performance Series

    I want maximum performance; are there any supplements that would interest me?

    Maximum performance supplements have been designed with the athlete and hard training individual in mind. They provide that extra winning edge in performance to help you perform at your best and compete with the best!

    Benefits:

    Faster gains in strength, muscle size, endurance, fat loss, and recovery!

    InterACTIVE Nutrition is proud to bring you maximum result with our Performance Series:

    Our Performance Series includes a large variety of products, such as:
    , Amino 5000™, L-Glutamine™, MicroCreatine™, CLA™ and many more.

    Follow the link below to view our entire Performance Series.

    InterACTIVE Nutrition's Performance Series

    I want an all natural 100% pure and clean protein formula; are there any products that would interest me?

    Absolute Series

    I want an ALL Natural 100% Pure and Clean Protein formula; are there any supplements that would interest me?

    Absolute protein supplements are those that have been designed with the purity-seeking individual in mind. They are 100% natural and contain absolutely no artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or flavours of any kind!

    Benefits:

    An ideal protein source for those seeking to cleanse their bodies or who seek purity for health reasons!

    InterACTIVE Nutrition is proud to bring you the Absolute Series:

    Our Absolute Series includes many products, such as:
    Absolute Whey™ Protein, Absolute Isolate™ Protein, Absolute Rice™ Protein, Absolute Soy&trade Protein; and more.

    Follow the link below to view our entire Absolute Series.

    Absolutely your best choice for 100% Natural Protein Supplements:

    • Absolutely Pure.
    • Absolutely Clean.
    • Absolutely No Artifical Ingredients.

    I want to maximize my muscle growth!

    Our line of Weight Gainer products is a great way to maximize your muscle growth. Learn more below.

    What exactly is a weight gainer?

    If you want to gain weight, be it put on lean muscle or bulk up, there is no choice but to eat and eat lots of rich food! Although this may seem very simple, eating enough foods on a consistent basis, that are high in protein and carbohydrates is time consuming and hard to do.

    A high quality weight gain product is therefore, an excellent way to add the extra protein, carbohydrates and other weight gaining ingredients to your nutrition program on a consistent basis.

    Be sure to select a weight gain product that is rich in:

    • High quality proteins like whey, milk, egg carbohydrates.
    • High quality carbohydrates.
    • Other energy producing and weight gaining compounds.

    Benefits of a weight gainer:

    • Extremely convenient way to consistently attain a nutrient and calorie rich diet, to help those looking at gaining weight.
    • Many weight gain products are formulated to help both hard gainers gain either lean muscle and others to bulk up.

    InterActive Nutrition Weight Gainers:

    Lean Gainer™

    Mammoth 2500™

    I'm interested in a non-animal based protein (Vegetarian)

    You can try our line of Protein alternatives, Vegatarian Protein, Fermented Soy, Soy Protein and Soy Protein. Learn more below

    What are the benefits I can expect from a Vegetarian protein blend?

    What are the benefits I can expect from a Vegetarian protein blend?

    For the Active Individual and Athlete who is interested in avoiding dairy and animal proteins, vegetarian protein is an ideal protein source. Research shows that by combining various plant proteins, such as pea protein and rice protein, and particularly soybean protein, that it is possible to get an adequate level of quality dietary protein. The added benefit of vegetable proteins, particularly, soy, pea and rice proteins is that they are full of vitamins.

    Benefits of Vegetarian protein:

    • High quality protein - Great protein source but only in combination with different vegetable proteins, in order to obtain the full array of essential amino acids required for efficient protein metabolism.
    • No lactose - ideal for the Active Individual and Athlete whose digestive systems cannot tolerate dairy products.

    InterActive Nutrition Supplements that contain a Vegetarian Protein Blend

    Absolute Vegetarian™

    See Also:

    Soy Protein

    What are the benefits I can expect from Fermented Soy?

    A study published in the Journal of the American Diabetic Association compared the effects of consuming fermented soy to unfermented soy. Their research showed that when soybeans are naturally fermented, as found in tofu and fermented soy powder, the fermentation process enhances protein and isoflavones availability and absorption by the body.

    Additionally, research shows that soy fermentation also yields many other healthy nutrients namely calcium, minerals, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc.

    Therefore, for the Active Individual and Athlete looking to take full advantage of the many beneficial health benefits of soy, it makes good sense to include fermented soy as part of their nutrition success strategy.

    InterActive Nutrition Supplements that contain Fermented Soy Protein:

    Absolute Soy™

    What are the benefits I can expect from Soy Protein?

    For Active Men and Women, soy protein is an excellent and extremely health-enhancing, non-animal based source of protein. It is a natural plant-derived protein that is a near-complete protein (full spectrum of amino acids) that is virtually fat free, extremely low in cholesterol, and lactose.

    Its valuable constituents include saponins, phytosterols, and isoflavones. Saponins enhance the immune system's function and combine with cholesterol to reduce it's absorption into the body through the small intestine. Phytosterols have also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.

    Soy protein's isoflavones (Genistein, Daidzein and Glycitein), are powerful antioxidants, and have been shown to have cancer-fighting benefits for Men and Women (breast and prostate).

    In conclusion, Soy protein is an excellent choice for active men and women who do not want animal based protein in their diet.

    Benefits of Soy Protein

    • New FDA Health Claim - 25 grams of Soy Protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
    • Soy's Isoflavones, display antioxidant properties; fighting off free radicals to enhance immune functioning.
    • Great source of dietary protein to help support muscle maintenance and recovery.
    • Indirectly stimulates the metabolism, which increases the body's ability to burn fat.
    • Improves cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, blood fats, and triglyceride levels.
    • Approved for those who are lactose intolerant.
    • Improves bone density.
    • Soy's protein helps prevent osteoporosis, by enhancing the body's ability to retain and better absorb calcium in the bones.
    • Soy's isoflavones slow bone loss and inhibit bone breakdown.
    • Soy's protein and soluble fiber help regulate glucose levels and kidney filtration, which helps control diabetic conditions and kidney disease.
    • Soy's protein and isoflavones lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Particular Benefits of Soy Protein for Men:

    • Supports healthy prostate function.
    • Balances testosterone production.
    • Helps to retain and build lean muscle mass.
    • Enhances energy, strength and stamina.

    Particular Benefits of Soy Protein for Women:

    • Suppresses premenstrual and menopausal symptoms (hot flashes).
    • Soy's isoflavones help a woman's body regulate estrogen when this hormone is declining or fluctuating, which helps alleviate many menopausal and pre-menstrual symptoms.
    • Aids with osteoporosis by reducing bone breakdown.
    • Aids in weight management.

    See Also:

    Rice Protein

    Vegetarian Protein

    What are the beneifts I can expect from Rice Protein?

    Most Active Individuals and Athletes who are familiar with vegetarian proteins know of soy, whey, and egg proteins. But many do not know that brown rice protein is an excellent source of vegan, hypo-allergenic protein. In fact, brown rice is a complete protein, because it contains all nine essential amino acids, plus all other non-essential amino acids.

    And yes, rice is a carbohydrate, but it also contains protein. By carefully isolating the protein from the carbohydrate molecules, using only water and natural enzymes that digest the carbohydrate portion of the rice, we end up with the protein molecules of the rice.

    Benefits of Brown Rice protein:

    • Suitable for use by those with food allergies.
    • A complete protein.
    • An excellent vegan, hypo-allergenic protein source.

    InterActive Nutrition Supplements that contain Rice Protein:

    Absolute Rice™

    See Also:

    Vegetarian Protein

    Soy Protein