Your body generates energy by breaking down foods and transporting the food molecules to all the cells of the body. Inside the cells, the foods are burned in a chemical reaction called “oxidation,” which simply means reaction with oxygen. (This is very similar to what happens to food when it burns in a fire.) For foods to be converted to energy, the cells have to get plenty of oxygen. This constant need for energy is so critical that if tissues are deprived of oxygen for more than a few minutes they will die. As you know, red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to all the tissues of the body. They do this by binding oxygen to hemoglobin, the red pigment in the blood.

When you want to go the extra mile, increase your cardio for fat burning, or get the edge in your next endurance event, are there nutritional supplements that can help you? You bet. Here’s a closer look (some of them may surprise you!):BCAASThe so-called “branched chain amino acids” (leucine, isoleucine and valine) seem to be especially preferred as fuel substrates, particularly during aerobic-type exercise. In addition to being converted to glucose in the liver, the amino acids are unique in that they can also be used directly as fuel by the muscles. These are the amino acids included in the Parrillo Muscle Amino FormulaTM. This supplement contains the balance of branched chain amino acids science has shown most beneficial.