Top 15 Natural Performance Enhancers Backed by Science

By GreenMedInfo Research Group

Forget dangerous steroids and sketchy supplements. The key to unlocking your body’s true athletic potential may be found in nature’s pharmacy, backed by cutting-edge science.

In the competitive world of sports and fitness, athletes are constantly seeking ways to gain an edge and push their bodies to new limits. While synthetic performance-enhancing drugs carry serious health and ethical concerns, researchers have uncovered a wealth of natural substances that can safely and legally boost athletic performance. Here are 15 of the most promising performance enhancers, all backed by scientific evidence, as accumulated via Greenmedinfo.com’s database on Athletic Performance Enhancers:

1. Beet Juice

This humble root vegetable packs a powerful performance punch. Rich in dietary nitrates, beet juice has been shown to improve endurance and lower the oxygen cost of exercise. One study found that cyclists who consumed beet juice before a time trial finished 2.8% faster than the placebo group.¹

2. Caffeine

The world’s most popular stimulant isn’t just for waking up – it’s a proven performance booster. Caffeine enhances alertness, focus, and can significantly improve endurance. Research shows it’s particularly effective for endurance sports, with one study finding it improved cycling time trial performance by 3.3%.²

3. Creatine

One of the most well-researched supplements, creatine has been conclusively shown to increase muscle strength and power output. It’s especially beneficial for high-intensity, short-duration activities like sprinting and weightlifting.³

4. Beta-Alanine

This amino acid helps buffer lactic acid buildup in muscles, potentially delaying fatigue. Studies have found it can improve performance in high-intensity exercises lasting 1-4 minutes.⁴

5. Citrulline Malate

Derived from watermelons, citrulline malate enhances nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and reducing muscle soreness. One study found it increased bench press performance by 53% compared to placebo.⁵

6. Rhodiola Rosea

This adaptogenic herb has been shown to reduce both mental and physical fatigue. Research indicates it can improve endurance exercise performance and decrease perceived exertion.⁶

7. Cordyceps

This fascinating fungus, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, may enhance oxygen utilization. Studies have found it can improve VO2 max and anaerobic performance.⁷

8. Beetroot Powder

Like beet juice, beetroot powder is rich in performance-enhancing nitrates. Research shows it can improve time to exhaustion in endurance exercise by up to 16%.⁸

9. Whey Protein

The gold standard for muscle recovery and growth, whey protein has been shown to enhance strength gains and muscle hypertrophy when combined with resistance training.⁹

10. L-Carnitine

This amino acid derivative plays a crucial role in fat metabolism. Studies suggest it can improve exercise performance and recovery, particularly in endurance activities.¹⁰

11. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

These essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) can reduce muscle damage and soreness from intense exercise, potentially improving recovery and subsequent performance.¹¹

12. Tart Cherry Juice

Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, tart cherry juice has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery after strenuous exercise.¹²

13. Ashwagandha

This Ayurvedic herb has been found to improve cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. One study showed it increased VO2 max by 13% compared to placebo.¹³

14. Sodium Bicarbonate

More commonly known as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate can buffer lactic acid buildup. Research shows it can improve performance in high-intensity activities lasting 1-7 minutes.¹⁴

15. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While primarily known for their health benefits, omega-3s may also enhance athletic performance by reducing exercise-induced inflammation and improving recovery.¹⁵

As with any supplement, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before adding these substances to your regimen. While natural and generally safe, they can still interact with medications or have side effects in some individuals. Additionally, the quality and purity of supplements can vary widely, so choose reputable brands and look for third-party testing certifications.

By harnessing the power of these natural performance enhancers, athletes can push their boundaries and achieve new personal bests – all while staying on the right side of both the law and their own health.

References

1. Andrew M. Jones, “Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Exercise Performance,” Sports Medicine 44, no. 1 (2014): 35-45.

2. Matthew J. Higgins et al., “The Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Performance Time, Speed and Power During a Laboratory-Based 1 Km Cycling Time-Trial,” Journal of Sports Sciences 34, no. 17 (2016): 1643-1651.

3. Eric S. Rawson and Jeff S. Volek, “Effects of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Weightlifting Performance,” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 17, no. 4 (2003): 822-831.

4. Guilherme G. Artioli et al., “Role of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 42, no. 6 (2010): 1162-1173.

5. Joaquín Pérez-Guisado and Philip M. Jakeman, “Citrulline Malate Enhances Athletic Anaerobic Performance and Relieves Muscle Soreness,” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 24, no. 5 (2010): 1215-1222.

6. A. C. Parisi et al., “Effects of Chronic Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation on Sport Performance and Antioxidant Capacity in Trained Male: Preliminary Results,” Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 50, no. 1 (2010): 57-63.

7. Steve Chen et al., “Effect of Cs-4®(Cordyceps Sinensis) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 16, no. 5 (2010): 585-590.

8. Lee J. Wylie et al., “Beetroot Juice and Exercise: Pharmacodynamic and Dose-Response Relationships,” Journal of Applied Physiology 115, no. 3 (2013): 325-336.

9. Michaela C. Devries and Stuart M. Phillips, “Supplemental Protein in Support of Muscle Mass and Health: Advantage Whey,” Journal of Food Science 80, no. S1 (2015): A8-A15.

10. William J. Kraemer et al., “The Effects of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Supplementation on Hormonal Responses to Resistance Exercise and Recovery,” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 17, no. 3 (2003): 455-462.

11. Yoshiharu Shimomura et al., “Nutraceutical Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Skeletal Muscle,” Journal of Nutrition 136, no. 2 (2006): 529S-532S.

12. Glyn Howatson et al., “Influence of Tart Cherry Juice on Indices of Recovery Following Marathon Running,” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 20, no. 6 (2010): 843-852.

13. Sanjay Shenoy et al., “Effects of Eight-Week Supplementation of Ashwagandha on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Elite Indian Cyclists,” AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda) 33, no. 2 (2012): 209.

14. Lars R. McNaughton et al., “Effects of Chronic Bicarbonate Ingestion on the Performance of High-Intensity Work,” European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology 80, no. 4 (1999): 333-336.

15. Evan J. H. Lewis et al., “21 Days of Mammalian Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves Aspects of Neuromuscular Function and Performance in Male Athletes Compared to Olive Oil Placebo,” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 12, no. 1 (2015): 1-11.

The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.

Source: GreenMedInfo

This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2024
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