Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Their Benefits

After a good run a couple decades ago, branched chain amino acids – or BCAAs – were overshadowed when other supplements such as creatine and N.O. boosters exploded onto the bodybuilding scene.

These supplements are made up of three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. There are numerous benefits of branched chain amino acids, and if you’re ready to start harnessing these powerful bodybuilding tools, then read on!

BCAAs offer not just bodybuilding aids but overall health benefits as well. Some of the things this type of supplement can do for you are:

• Increase muscle recovery
• Prevent muscle loss
• Promote healing of injured tissues
• Boost energy
• Enhance strength, muscle growth and endurance
• Enhance fat loss
• Balance nitrogen content in the body
• Decrease fatigue

It’s not hard to see from this list the many benefits that branched chain amino acids has for everyone, not just bodybuilders. Now that you know why you need them, let’s look at how BCAAs work and how to use them.

Amino acids are the foundation of muscle protein. They fall into two categories: essential and non-essential. Essentials are not produced by the body but obtained from what we consume through foods or supplements. Protein foods or combinations of incomplete vegetable foods can be sources of these compounds. Non-essentials can be made by the body from vitamins and other amino acids.

The type in BCAAs falls into the category of essential. These compounds are metabolized directly by the muscles, unlike other amino acids that go to the liver after being digested. These three are used by the muscles to build new proteins or burned as fuel to create energy.

For this kind of supplement, like many others, timing is of the essence. To gain muscle, strength and energy, the first crucial time to take branched chain amino acids is about 30 minutes before your workouts and within 30 minutes after your workouts. This dose will help keep cortisol levels low, encouraging muscle growth, giving extra energy needed to finish the workout and decreasing soreness after intense exercise.

Another important time to take BCAAs is first thing in the morning. This gets an immediate dose of amino acids to your muscles for fueling and repairing muscles after sleep.

There are more benefits of branched chain amino acids that can be realized throughout the day. Taking a dose late in the day can continue the effects through the night, keeping protein building up and cortisol down. Using supplements between meals can also help keep hunger down and metabolism up, thus increasing fat burning.

When it comes to dosing of BCAAs, as little as 3 grams a day have shown benefits. However, studies involving this kind of supplement produced significant results with about 9 grams per 100 pounds lean body weight per day.

This guideline should be balanced with the specific instructions that come with the brand of supplement you choose. As with all supplements, it’s best to consult a physician before beginning a regimen.

Whether your goal is building muscle, losing weight or just maintaining overall health, visit Slacor Supplements for all your essential nutritional supplements.