Getting Yourself into BCAAs

Workouts are not just all about effort. It is also important to work smart. Recovery plays an just an important role as workouts in your body’s progress. This is true especially for athletes who need to maximize every possible advantage that they could squeeze. Making sure that the muscle doesn’t enter catabolic phase is one great way to ensure progress. And unlike whey and other supplements, it doesn’t necessarily add calories. Many people might think that BCAA supplements are only needed by elite athletes, those who engage in regular, intense physical activity. The average person often imagines BCAAs as a tool of only the most serious bodybuilders who are looking to build incredible amounts of muscle. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone with any level of health and fitness goals should be looking to BCAA is to support them in the process, specifically to ensure they are incorporating a proper recovery process into their routine.

Branched-chain amino acids, or BCAA for short, are a group of three essential amino acids:

• Leucine

Leucine is the star of the trio, as it directly stimulates protein synthesis via the activation of an enzyme responsible for cell growth known as the mammalian target of rapamycin, or mTOR.

• Isoleucine

Isoleucine is number two on the list, as it improves glucose metabolism and increases glucose uptake in the muscles.

• Valine

Valine is a distant third as it doesn’t seem to do much of anything when compared to leucine and isoleucine. Valine is a distant third as it doesn’t seem to do much of anything when compared to leucine and isoleucine.

You find high amounts of these amino acids in quality proteins such as meat, eggs and dairy products, with whey protein isolate being particularly high.

Amino acids in general are commonly described as the “building blocks” of protein. One of the best ways on how to maximize your gains is by utilizing branched chain amino acids right after workouts. According to studies, branched chain amino acids aid in protein synthesis by increasing the cellular capacity for protein synthesis. That means, on cellular level, your body has an increased capacity to repair itself. Additionally, amino acids are readily available. BCAA is known for its fast effect. Unlike peptide bound branched chain amino acids, it no longer needs to be processed in the liver. It goes directly to your skeletal muscles acting fast, diminishing the chances of catabolism.

It helps minimize the amount of time needed to get the necessary amino acids by the skeletal system. Therefore, it helps reduce the amount of protein breakdown. Also, it decreases the complexes that could increase protein breakdown. BCAA is a bit pricey. It is typically more expensive than your usual whey protein. According to experts, it is no longer needed by people who are consuming sufficient amounts of protein. If you meet the 1.5gram per kilogram requirement, you may no longer need additional intake of BCAA supplement. But of course, this isn’t always the case. There are instances when the body needs more amino acids. This is true for athletes and bodybuilders.