Advantages of Amino Acids

Branched chain amino acid supplements, commonly referred to as BCAA's, are very popular with athletes these days, who are searching for ways to increase lean mass and performance. The branched chain amino acids are Valine, Leucine, and Iso-leucine. One popular idea is that BCAA's can move through the blood to the brain and decrease the production of serotonin in the brain's interior, thereby lowering mental fatigue by reducing the amount of serotonin, which can create a sense of tiredness. A fair amount of scientific research supports this hypothesis. These amino acids have a specialized shaped that allows them to be used in ways that other amino acids could only dream about. The primary reason that people turn to amino acid supplements, though, has to do with muscle growth. Leucine, in particular, has been shown to regulate and improve muscle protein synthesis after exercise.

More people take branch chain amino acid supplements to support their workout and these are the advantages while taking them:

Greater Fat Burn

For those trying to lose some body fat, or athletes training on a low-carb diet, then, BCAAs will help your body make the switch to depending on fat for fuel.

 Reduced Fatigue

BCAAs have demonstrated the ability to ward off the mental fatigue that sometimes accompanies long workouts. Primarily, this is because the relationship between low BCAAs and tryptophan. Normally, when your BCAA levels drop, your body produces more tryptophan which then becomes serotonin in your brain and leads to feelings of tiredness and mental fatigue. Branch chain amino acid supplements prevent this process.

Increased Mental Focus

By keeping the tryptophan monster away, amino acid supplements improve your short term memory and processing abilities.

Muscle Sparing

Exercise damages your muscles. Usually, this damage is exactly what your body needs to rebuild and get stronger. Endurance athletes and those who routinely exercise in a fasted state or at a caloric deficit are especially at risk here. BCAAs however, protects your muscle fibers from suffering too much muscle damage.

Improved Recovery

This ability to increase muscle protein synthesis and guard your muscles   means that you can recover from your workouts faster, getting back to your routine with less downtime. Ensuring that your recovery is complete and vital to making progress.

Reduced Muscle Soreness

The reduced damage and improved recovery has also been shown to limit the soreness that generally sets in after a strenuous workout.

Improved Performance in Sports

Your body will respond better to your workouts and your mind will operate more efficiently during the actual event, allowing you to maintain your focus and make better decisions.

Your BCAA needs depend on a number of factors, including your size and the intensity of your workouts, which is why it’s a good idea to talk to an expert before taking branch chain amino acid supplements and making any drastic changes to your diet. If you’re just getting started or looking for a bit of a boost, timing your meals around your workouts and proper discipline can be a good start.