Why Athletes Should take BCAA Supplements
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the new buzzword in the sports nutrition industry since they are a quick and easy way to build muscles and improve athletic performance. Take BCAAs between workouts for rapid absorption and faster muscle recovery and growth. They are essential, which means that our body cannot produce them and one should take them through diet or supplements. Â
Branched Chain Amino Acids- the best intra-workout supplement- have shown promising benefits beyond muscle building and recovery. Studies show that including BCAAs in your diet may also help also help in weight loss and improve liver function.
Here’s a complete guide to everything to know about BCAAs and how upping the intake of these amino acids can strengthen the body.
What are BCAA Supplements, and how do they work?
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 amino acids which the body needs to grow, develop, and function. Eight are essential, meaning your body cannot produce them, and you can obtain them from food sources or supplements instead. Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are a group of three essential amino acids, so named because of their branched molecular structure. They are Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. The body needs them to rebuild and grow new muscles.
Contrary to other amino acids, BCAAs break down in the muscles instead of the liver, which is why they play a pivotal role in boosting energy during high-intensity exercise/training.
Benefits of BCAA Supplements
Boost muscle growth: One of the potential benefits of BCAAs for humans is their capacity to boost muscle growth. A study published in Frontiers Physiology states that individuals consuming BCAA supplements after weight training or exercise experienced 22% more muscle protein synthesis than others.
Reduce muscle soreness: Do you also feel sore after a high-intensity workout? Though soreness indicates effective training sessions, BCAAs are your go-to partner. Studies show that BCAAs can reduce the breakdown of protein- and muscle- during exercise, lessening soreness, boosting muscle recovery, and reducing fatigue.
Improve liver health: Various research studies conclude that branched-chain amino acids improve liver function and may offer protection against liver cancer. The findings of 11 studies concluded that including BCAAs every day in the diet may help improve liver function in patients undergoing liver surgery, which prevents the risk of complications and speeds up recovery.
Reduce muscle loss: Include an adequate amount of BCAAs in your diet to slow down muscle loss and improve the body's composition. A Study published in the journal of Clinical Science states that the infusion of branched-chain amino acids helped decrease the breakdown of muscles in the human body.
Promote weight loss: Research suggests a strong link between BCAA supplements and weight loss. BCAA supplements help control sugar and junk food cravings by maintaining blood sugar levels, which helps in weight loss.
Best time to take BCAA Supplement
Take BCAA supplements during your workout for optimum results.
How should you take Active BCAA?
Mix one 15 g sachet of Active BCAA in 300 ml water or juice. Adults can take one serving every day.
Best Brands for BCAA supplements:
They include Steadfast Nutrition, Muscle Blaze, Nutrabay, Fast and Up, and GNC.
Why Steadfast Nutrition’s Active BCAA?
A sachet of Active BCAA contains 5000 mg of L-leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine in the ideal 2:1:1 ratio, which is best for muscle growth and recovery. It also contains 500 mg of the muscle-maintaining amino acid L-Arginine and 1000 mg of the fatigue-reducing amino acid L-Glutamine, which increases muscle pump, boosts immunity, and improves performance. L-Arginine is the precursor to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. L-Glutamine is an important amino acid that plays a critical role in immune and intestinal health.
Active BCAA comes in a yummy watermelon flavour.
Cost of BCAA supplements:
The price of an Active BCAA supplement ranges anywhere between â‚ą350 to â‚ą1800 for every 100 g. Most BCAA supplements come in boxes. However, brands like Steadfast Nutrition offer single-serving sachets of 15 g- A pack of 10 sachets costs â‚ą700.
