Resveratrol
This is an antioxidant found in grape skins and seeds. Muscle builders have started to pay great attention to this compound due to it's ability to keep testosterone high by binding to receptor sites that convert testosterone into estrogen.
As a bonus, Resveratrol has been associated with other benefits including:
- A reduced risk of cancer
- Heart health
- Fat loss
- Muscle endurance.
- Increased insulin sensitivity.
Stinging Nettle (urtica dioica)
The root from South America has been known for sometime to support prostate and blood pressure health. But for us, it's magic is in the support of free testosterone.According to Muscle and Fitness, "stinging nettle root can help to naturally boost testosterone levels by keeping the testosterone molecule free from a carrier protein known as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). While SHBG helps testosterone stay in the blood longer, it also prevents it from binding with its specific receptors in muscle cells. By freeing up testosterone from SHBG, you'll experience higher levels of free testosterone in the body, which can induce muscle growth. Stinging nettle root also helps boost T levels by preventing its conversion to dihydrotestosterone. While testosterone has anabolic effects in muscle cells, dihydrotestosterone has negative effects such as prostate growth. Preventing this conversion by adding stinging nettle root to your supplement regimen means you'll have more anabolic testosterone available."
There's no more to be said about this.
Here's the stack:
Resveratrol
5-500mg of resveratrol in the
morning about 30-60 minutes before workouts without food. On rest days, replace
that pre-workout dose with an afternoon dose.
Stinging Nettle
100-500 mg of stinging nettle root extract 2-3 times per day on an
empty stomach.
Consider adding leucine (3 - 5 grams) and caffeine (100 -
400mg) to the resveratrol dose.
Sources:
Jackson, Dwayne, and Jim Stoppani. "10 supps you never thought of: here are 10 uncommon supplements for building muscle and gaining mass." Joe Weider's Muscle & Fitness May 2007: 129+.
Stoppani, Jim. "The Encyclopedia of Supplements A-F." Flex Dec. 2011: 196+.
