Vitamin D and calcium are well known for their synergistic roles in supporting bone mass. Calcium is used to form part of our bone structure, and vitamin D helps increase calcium absorption from foods and supplements. In recent years, calcium has also garnered a lot of press for its potential role in fat loss. Mounting evidence now suggests that vitamin D may be important for optimizing physique gains — the vitamin plays a role in muscle growth and strength.

WHEN IT COMES TO VEGGIES, broccoli is the top choice of most bodybuilders. The cruciferous vegetable perhaps deserves top billing simply because one hearty stalk (about 1,5 cups chopped) helps the body stockpile an enormous amount of vitamins and minerals that are important not only for muscle recovery, but for maximizing metabolic functions. There's more — here are five reasons why every serious weightlifter should consume broccoli.

#1 IT CONTAINS CHROMIUM.