It’s 2019, why are you not taking BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)?

I’m sure you have heard all about BCAAs and how they can change your life. Literally, same. I have decided to educate myself and you on what Branched-Chain Amino Acids are, why they are important and why they are a must in your supplement supply.

First, let’s start with what a Branched-Chain Amino Acid a.k.a BCAA is. BCAA’s are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The term essential means the body does not produce these on its own, and they must be attained by foods or supplements. To get your BCAAs through food, you need to consume protein-rich foods or shakes. For those of us that don’t get enough through our protein intake, that’s where these supplements come in.

So how can you benefit from adding more BCAAs to your diet?

• Decrease Muscle Loss/ Stimulate Muscle Growth: After completing exercises like running regularly, many people may start to experience muscle loss and tissue damage over time. BCAAs can help slow down this process by decreasing the rate of protein degeneration; therefore, allowing the protein to help build the muscles and repair the tissue.
• Stimulate Fat Loss/ Increase Energy: BCAAs have been shown to stimulate fat loss in the body by triggering the fat cells to release energy from stored fats during a workout. This also helps increase energy during your work out.
• Promote Endurance/ Reduce Fatigue: BCAAs are known to lower the levels of serotonin in your body. While high levels of serotonin in the brain generally enhance your mood and make you happy, it also causes muscle fatigue and soreness. By lowering the serotonin, it allows you to work the muscles to their full potential.

Now you get it! All of these benefits from a supplement you can get online! But with so many options for the “same” supplement, how do you know which one to choose.

Understanding Different BCAAs

Let’s start with supplement form. BCAAs come in either a powder or a pill. The powders can come in different flavors, or unflavored and can be mixed in with other supplements or protein powders. The pills are rarer because you have to take a substantial amount to get your full dose, but also, because they take longer to digest through your system.

Another deciding factor could be flavor. Unflavored BCAAs are known to have a very distinct bitter flavor. Some people can handle the taste; while others will want to stick to a flavored powder.

Typically, the BCAAs will be labeled by the ratio of each of the three chains of amino acids. The three chains are in order as Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine and have the ratios in the order. The one that matters the most is the first number in the ration which is the leucine. The 2:1:1 ratio is the most studied BCAA supplement. There is other research done on increasing the leucine, so it may be beneficial to look into the increased ratios if you are looking for additional assets.

Many BCAAs come with additional supplements within the powder or pills. It is important to not overdo any supplements, so make sure to read labels. If you are currently taking protein powders or supplements, be sure to research the BCAAs you are looking into. Sometimes, you can find brands that lump several supplements together, while some are strictly the three chains. Both can have benefits as long as you know what you want and need.

What are you waiting for?

Step up your supplement game and reap the awesome benefits of BCAAs. All of your BCAA supplements can be found at https://www.fitking.com/sports-supplements/amino-acids/bcaas