subject: The Benefits of Spartan Blend [print this page] The Benefits of Spartan Blend The Benefits of Spartan Blend
Spartan Blend is a relatively new product on the bodybuilding scene. It is a combination supplement that contains Tribulus terrestris, L-Arginine, Horny Goat Weed, and ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium, and B6) - containing equal amounts of each ingredient. It claims to boost testosterone, improve performance, increase size, and heighten arousal. A few months ago, I decided to do some Internet research on its ingredients to see if the claims were possible. I was stunned by the sheer volume of research conducted on these substances, and so I decided to try taking Spartan Blend myself. I was very happy with my strength gains, increased sex drive, and overall improved mood. In this article, I will discuss the research that I found regarding Tribulus, L-Arginine, Horny Goat Weed, Zinc, and Magnesium. The first one that I'm going to discuss is Tribulus.
Tribulus terrestris
The active chemicals in Tribulus terrestris are called steroidal saponins. These chemicals stimulate the luteinizing hormone (LH), which tells the body to produce more testosterone. The most active of the steroidal saponins is called protodioscin- which is the chemical responsible for stimulating the luteinizing hormone. In animal studies, protodioscin supplementation was shown to increase testosterone levels by as much as 50%. Steroidal saponins also lead to greater DHEA production. DHEA is a male steroid hormone that is produced and secreted by the adrenal glands. In recent research at Arilangga University, Tribulus terrestris demonstrated its ability to boost DHEA levels by as much as 55% in diabetics, and 85% in non-diabetics. DHEA has been shown to: boost sex drive, function as an anti-depressant, and act as a cancer prevention agent.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid that is classified as either semi-essential, or conditionally essential, depending on the health of the individual. A healthy human body is capable of producing sufficient amounts of the amino acid, but taking additional amounts of L-Arginine has been shown to be beneficial as well. It can be found in dietary sources (cheese, meats, oatmeal, peanuts), and can also be supplemented in a pure form. Healthy Arginine levels have been associated with many health benefits. It plays a vital role in wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body, and helps maintain healthy immune function, and hormone production. In the human body, the amino acid is converted into nitric oxide, which is a neurotransmitter that helps the blood vessels relax (vasodilation), leading to improved circulation, and reduced blood pressure. Large quantities of L-Arginine have also been shown to trigger the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. The only drawback that I found was that L-Arginine has been shown to be dangerous to individuals whom have previously suffered from heart attacks.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed (also known as Epimedium) is a flowering plant that is native to Asia, and parts of Europe. The active ingredient in Horny Goat Weed is a chemical called icariin, which has been shown to increase levels of nitric oxide in the body. Icariin works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE-5, which is responsible for destroying nitric oxide. This ultimately leads to a greater amount of nitric oxide in the body.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral, and it is involved in many biological processes in the human body, and it is required for the production of over one-hundred enzymes. Zinc plays a major role protein synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and cell division. The human body has no means of storing zinc, so it needs a constant supply in order to function properly. Insufficient levels of zinc stop the pituitary gland from releasing the hormones that are responsible for producing testosterone. Zinc also inhibits the enzyme (aromatase) that is responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Zinc should be taken in combination with vitamin B6, for optimal absorption.
Magnesium
Magnesium is also an essential mineral that is available in foods such as fish, nuts, broccoli, spinach, tofu, and whole grains. The human body uses magnesium for over three-hundred biological processes; it is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. In recent research, sufficient levels of magnesium were discovered to significantly increase total testosterone levels in sedentary men and in athletic men.
Conclusion
Overall, after I read all of the research, I still was not completely convinced about the effectiveness of the ingredients. I had to take Spartan Blend myself before I was completely convinced. I recommend giving it a try if you would like to boost you strength gains, sex drive, and improve your overall mood. But, you should consult with your doctor before you start taking anything.
