What is metabolism?

Metabolism - Metabolism is the process that takes place between cells and intercellular fluid (it is supported by a permanent structure of the blood). There are two types of metabolic processes: catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism associated with the destruction of complex substances to simpler. As a rule, it takes place with the release of energy. Anabolism - is the formation of complex structures from simpler. Proceeds with the absorption of energy. In bodybuilding often separately distinguish metabolism (such as the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats for energy), catabolism (as segregation of amino acids in muscle tissue when they flow from the outside is not possible) and anabolism (synthesis of amino acids to build muscle tissue). This is wrong.

Catabolism
Catabolic processes bodybuilders usually considered only from a negative point of view, as the processes leading to the loss of muscle mass. Actually catabolism - it is also cleavage of glucose to carbon dioxide and water, degradation of lipids (fats) in order to obtain energy. The rate of metabolic reactions for the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats are strongly influenced by factors such as:
 - Gender (male rate of occurrence of major metabolic processes by 10-20% higher than that of women);
 - Age (every 10 years, the metabolic rate is reduced by 2-3% compared to 25-30 years);
 - Body weight (the higher the total weight of the bones, internal organs and muscle, no fat, the higher the rate of catabolic processes);
 - The level of exercise (for regular exercise metabolic rate increases: in the first 2-3 hours after exercise is 20-30%, more - not more than 2-7% within 16-24 hours).

Many substances obtained as a result of catabolism, will then be used by the body for the synthesis (anabolism) other substances. For example, the human body covers its need for 14 amino acids.

Anabolism
As stated above anabolism - this is the metabolism of the body needs to synthesize substances. Bodybuilders often meant by the process of anabolic synthesis of amino acids, protein, and, further - the muscles. But this is anabolism and synthesis of elements such as glycogen, fat. High speed anabolic processes - is not only a rapid build-up of muscle mass and body fat. Anabolic processes are associated with absorption of energy. That is why it is impossible to achieve muscle growth even in the face of increased protein content in the diet, but its low calorie content.
There are special drugs that speed up the flow of certain metabolic processes. For example, general metabolism stimulant considered green tea. But testosterone is only one goal - increasing the rate of anabolism. Some substances facilitates the catabolic processes, for example, L-carnitine, which creates conditions for the transportation of unsaturated fatty acids into the mitochondria for "burning».