Nature's Punch vs Lab Crunch: The Pre-Workout Showdown
Introduction
In the fitness world, natural pre workout supplements and routines are often a hot debate, dividing opinion between synthetic and natural choices. The idea of being able to prime yourself before a workout, allowing you to train harder and achieve your goals is of course alluring. An instant energy boost right before a workout is undeniable but not at the hidden costs and potential health risks associated with synthetic pre-workouts. This comprehensive guide explores why natural ingredients like Hibiscus, amaranth, cordyceps mushrooms, naturally sourced amino acids, and coffee are not only safer but also more effective for enhancing your workout.
The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic Pre-Workouts:
Synthetic pre-workouts are loaded with artificial stimulants, colours, and flavours (all synthesized chemically), promising immediate and powerful results. Side effects range from mild discomforts like jitters, itchiness, and insomnia to more severe health risks such as arrhythmia and dependance. Additionally there is a lack of regulatory oversight in the supplement industry, which often results in products with unlisted or harmful ingredients. Lack of oversight also means unregulated doses with high variance in each usage. Ingredients like caffeine and can have highly detrimental effects on one’s health in high dosages.
Hibiscus, Amaranth and Beetroot - A.K.A the most natural pre-workout
Natural Nitrates and Nitric Oxide boosters improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles by enhancing vasodilation. They have also shown to enhance energy levels, muscle perfusion, and aerobic exercise performance.
Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is rich in dietary nitrates, which have been shown to enhance aerobic capacity. A 2020 study demonstrated that consuming amaranth significantly increased peak power and maximum oxygen consumption in young, physically active individuals.
Hibiscus is a strong vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. This comes from the flower’s ability to naturally produce nitric oxide, an important molecule in dilating blood vessels. Hibiscus has also been shown to prevent overtraining syndrome, a condition that can adversely affect exercise performance. Try SANA’s Hibiscus Tulsi, as a pre or post workout Sustainable All Natural Alternative to synthetic options. With 0 sugar, this is India’s First Stevia and Monkfruit Pre-workout.
[Reference Links - (Ilyas et al., 2015), (Adriani et al., 2017).]
Beetroot's natural nitrate content, like Hibiscus and Amaranth, can lead to vasodilation and increased blood flow, enhancing muscle fueling and performance. A 2018 study revealed that beetroot juice could improve performance in high-intensity exercises, attributing this to faster phosphocreatine resynthesis and improved muscle power output. Adding beetroot juice to your routine is an easy way to replace synthetic pre-workouts. (Arazi & Eghbali (2021)), (Domínguez et al.)
Cordyceps Mushrooms: Endurance and Recovery
Cordyceps militaris was observed to potentially improve exercise performance by promoting cellular energy production, likely through increased ATP generation. Another study found that it may improve aerobic performance by enhancing oxygen kinetics and delaying fatigue during high-intensity exercise.
Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris have been recognized for their ability to reduce oxidative stress and improve exercise tolerance, as shown in studies by Yan et al. (2014) and Hirsch et al. (2017).
Pro tip: add S.AN.A’s Cordyceps Tincture to warm water as a 100% natural pre-workout alternative. This Organic Pre-Workout is sure to improve your performance!
Caffeine and Coffee: Enhancing Performance
Caffeine's role in enhancing endurance exercise performance and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is well-documented, with studies by Hurley et al. (2013) and Hodgson et al. (2013) supporting its benefits. But, did you know that the addition of amino acids like L-theanine and L-tyrosine can reduce the side-effects and further enhance the effectiveness of coffee as a pre-workout? In Addition to these amino acids, S.AN.A’s Not Just Coffee contains pink salt, a natural source of electrolytes and minerals, as well as cordyceps and lion’s mane mushrooms. This makes it a great, natural pre-workout as well as a focus and attention booster.
SANA Health First: Your Natural Pre-Workout Solution
At SANA Health First, we understand the importance of natural, sustainable, and effective pre-workout options. A healthy, natural pre-workout may have been hard to find before, but not anymore! Our range of products, infused with these powerhouse ingredients, offers a healthier alternative to synthetic supplements. For instance, our Cordyceps extract can be a great addition to your pre-workout routine, harnessing the natural power of mushrooms to enhance your performance and recovery.
Conclusion
Choosing between synthetic and natural pre-workouts is more than just a matter of preference; it's about prioritizing your long-term health and performance. By opting for natural ingredients, you not only fuel your body more effectively but also align with a sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle.
Experience the difference with SANA Health First, where we bring you closer to nature, best for your fitness journey.
FAQs:
- What's the main benefit of natural pre workouts?
Natural pre workouts offer sustainable energy with fewer artificial additives, potentially reducing the risk of side effects.
- Can synthetic pre workouts be more effective?
Synthetic pre workouts may provide a stronger and more instant energy boost due to highly concentrated, lab formulated ingredients.
- Are natural pre workouts caffeine-free?
Not necessarily, you will have to read the ingredients of any pre workout closely to see whether they contain caffeine or not. Many natural pre workouts use caffeine from natural sources like green tea extract, guarana or yerba mate.
- Why choose a synthetic pre workout?
In my personal opinion, don’t! However if you are going in for an intense, high intensity workout you may be looking for an immediate energy surge and enhanced focus. In that case a synthetic pre workout may suit your objective better than a natural one.
- Do natural pre workouts contain artificial sweeteners?
Sticking to their claim of naturalness, most brands will aim to avoid artificial sweeteners. Alternative sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit may be used for flavoring.
