Bomber Blend Whey Protein Added Ingredient Choices
In creating the Bomber Blend protein powder formula, on top of the decision of which proteins we wanted and in what percentages, we needed to decide what additional ingredients to include. Here are the added ingredients of the Bomber Blend, and our reasoning behind these choices.
Skim
Colostrum:
Colostrum is the pre-milk infant food
produced in the first 24 -48 hours following
birth of an offspring, prior to milk
production. Its God-given purpose is
to give infants a healthy start via nutrients,
immune factors and antibodies. In fact, prior to the discovery
of penicillin, colostrum was used in the US as a natural antibiotic.
In infants, it lays the foundation for the creation of bone,
muscle, nerves and cartilage. For possible immune protection
against disease and creation of body tissue, colostrum *may*
have exceptional benefits for athletes. The protein researcher
we consulted considers this the only "iffy" thing
about our formula; not that there's anything wrong with it, but as it adds
to the cost of the formula he's not 100% sure about it. There's research being
done, but it's all very new (not the ingredient, just the sports-nutrition
research) and he's not able to confirm its value. We got sort of emotionally
attached to it somewhere along the line and probably want to believe in it,
so we put it in.
Lecithin:
The cell membranes in the body are composed largely of lecithin, which contribute
to the flow of nutrients in and out of the cell. Our brains, muscles and
nerve cells also use lecithin, and without it we may become forgetful,
have digestive problems, intolerance to fats, joint and muscle soreness,
hypertension and more. Lecithin is used to protect against cardiovascular
disease, increase energy levels, repair damage from alcoholism, help in
the digestion of fats and in fat transportation and in mental sharpness.
All cool benefits, which nobody can deny, which nobody can deny. Oh.
Green
Tea Extract:
Studies show that green tea may benefit the heart by lowering cholesterol levels
and reducing the tendency of blood platelets to stick together. It contains
potent antioxidants called catechins, and is proven to increase antioxidant
activity in the blood. Additionally, studies indicate that green tea may help
protect against cancers of the lung, skin, liver, pancreas, and stomach.
Papain & Bromelain:
Papain and bromelain are digestive enzymes that improve absorption of food.
Once absorbed, they have anti-inflammatory activity and may even demonstrate
anti-tumor effects. Enzymes may also improve immune system function. Bromelain
comes from pineapples; papain comes from unripe papayas.
Bromelain:
Bromelain seems to be the more potent of the two; at least, there's more research
material available on it over papain. Lately there's been some hype about
bromelain and fat burning - I'm pretty sure it's just hype, but I'm also
sure it won't hurt anything. Numerous studies have demonstrated bromelain's
anti-inflammatory effect to include: reduction in swelling, pain and tenderness
and reduction of edema and bruising. Bromelain is useful in digestive disorders,
may assist in improved antibiotic absorption and may be effective in treatment
of some types of heart disease.
Grape
Seed Extract:
Grape seed extract is known for its antioxidant
qualities and collagen protection; its
active ingredient is an ingredient more
commonly seen as a pine bark extract
known commercially as Pycnogenol. It
apparently restores the antioxidant function of vitamin C after
it's been "used up" by
its free radical scavenging in the body,
and in this it increases the vitamin
C activity by 10-1000%. Grape seed extract's
anti-inflammatory properties have been proved in human clinical
trials involving sports injuries and post-surgical recovery,
right up our alley.
ChromeMate:
This is the brand our lab uses of chromium, which is a mineral most commonly
known for its effect on blood sugar, insulin and fat metabolism. Some studies
show that it may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol, triglyceride
and HDL levels, but it's main use is related to blood sugar management.
Many Americans don't get enough chromium in their diets, on top of which,
exercise depletes chromium. Chromium levels in people of other countries
is higher and those higher levels are accompanied by lower diabetes and
less hardening of the arteries. Chromium seems to help diabetes suffers
with their blood sugar and insulin control somewhat, and, while it's probably
not the miracle fat-burner that some manufacturers claim, we did think
it would add value to the Blend, so we added 100mcg per serving.
Folic
Acid:
Folic acid (plus vitamin B12, which we've also added) may cut the risk of heart
disease, reduce cholesterol and help to synthesize proteins. It's fairly well
known to prevent certain birth defects, and is thought to assist in the prevention
of depression, osteoporosis, diarrhea, gout and gum disease. For our purposes,
besides the above valuable benefits of course, folic acid is necessary for
proper immune system function, recovery from illness and faster tissue healing
following injury (including the intentional damage caused by weight training).
Reading between the lines of this list and putting it together with the between-the-lines reading of the other Path to the Whey posts: In the ingredients we chose to add (along with the protein blend selection, which we've barely discussed) the goal of immune system enhancement and antioxidant boosters for our long-term health and wellness should be more and more clear. While none of these are magic pills, one or two servings a day over the long term should contribute to less illness and possibly — hopefully, although we'll never know, really — less disease. Plus, we want to age well, better than everybody else.
Go back to the Whey Protein info page
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