Breaking Down BCAAs
There are 21 amino acids, which are organic compounds. A handful of these amino acids are "essential," which means that they must be obtained through your diet because your body cannot create the compounds. Of the nine essential amino acids, three are included in BCAA supplements - leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
How Do BCAAs Work?
Amino acids are the building blocks for protein and essential for fueling your muscles. The essential amino acids that make up BCAA supplements are thought to preserve your glycogen stores. The glycogen stores are where your muscles go first for fuel. When you exercise, your muscles will deplete those glycogen stores and they need to be replenished quickly in order to preserve muscle mass and help you grow the physique you want.
What Are The Benefits Of BCAAs?
BCAAs offer your muscles the energy they need to help you get the most out of your workout. You can lift more, run faster, and push harder which is what makes the real difference when you are trying to achieve fitness goals. Not only do BCAAs provide your muscles with the energy they need, but by keeping your glycogen stores full, you can prevent your body from breaking down your muscle protein to create energy.
Additionally, BCAAs have been shown to play a beneficial role in recovery. They are particularly effective when you combine the BCAA with a rapidly digesting carb that refills your glycogen stores and offers your muscles the fuel they need to recover from the “trauma” of exercise.
Leucine is thought to be the ringleader of the essential amino acids included in BCAAs. Because of this, you’ll see the most effective BCAA supplements have a higher percentage of leucine. This ensures that consumers can get the biggest impact from their BCAAs.
How To Use BCAA Supplements
BCAAs come in capsules or powder form that can be easily mixed into 8-ounces of cool water. We recommend taking one scoop prior to working out and one post-workout to reap the most benefit. An alternative, which is especially important for those who prefer to exercise fasted, is to consume your BCAAs during your workout. This helps you keep your glycogen stores filled so your body has a reliable source of energy it can rely on when exercise.
Where Can I Get BCAAs?
Buy your first container of
Optimum Nutrition - BCAA 1000 Caps Mega-Size 1000 mg. - 400 Capsules today and start reaching your fitness goals.
