Why Is There So Much Hype About BCAAs Today?

If you are a frequent gym goer, fitness enthusiast, or shaping your body, chances are you must have heard about BCAAs. These are amino acids, important for synthesizing protein in the human body. Since the human body can not produce them naturally, you need to consume them via different sources. They are made up of leucine, isoleucine, and valine which help in promoting muscle mass and recovery as well as prevent the body from injuries, especially after intense exercises. 

Benefits of BCAAs You Should Know 

BCAAs have multiple benefits, from building muscles to reducing muscle soreness. Here are some of the benefits that you must consider: 

• Reduces fatigue

Supplements such as BCAA powder or drink help in delaying fatigue that usually occurs due to intensive workouts. They help in replenishing tryptophan (a chemical that converts to serotonin and causes fatigue) levels in the brain. 

• Enriched with electrolytes

Electrolytes are important to our body because of multiple reasons. From providing energy, supporting heart health, and improving nerve function to combating diseases and more, electrolytes play a major role. These supplements contain essential electrolytes such as potassium and sodium that keep your body hydrated before/after workouts. The electrolytes also prevent fatigue and develop the stamina to keep you active all day long. 

• Boosts performance

They are known to boost exercise and performance. Since they help in reducing fatigue and promote exercising, they are one of the finest intra-workout supplements. Consuming Branched chain amino acid supplements improves endurance, and athletic performance, and also boosts powerlifting. The amino acids regulate glycogen synthesis and provide you with the energy to perform better. 

• Reduces muscle soreness 

Delayed onset muscle soreness, also known as DOMS, is cured when you use Branched-chain amino acids. MuscleBlaze BCAA Pro Essential Amino Acids, MuscleBlaze EAA 6000, and MuscleBlaze BCAA Gold 8:1:1 Amino Acids Supplements help reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery of muscles. The anti-inflammatory properties help in the quick recovery of muscles and aid discomfort. 

• Burns fat

Regular intake can help in losing weight. If you want to burn fat you can consume BCAA leucine supplements with glutamine and that can help with losing excess fat and keeping the visceral fat that helps with metabolism. 

What Do BCAA Supplements Contain

Branched-chain amino acids supplements contain various amino acids among which the below-mentioned amino acids are not produced by the body and should be consumed from diet or supplements: 

Valine: Valine is an essential amino acid that helps in muscle growth and also repairs torn muscles.

Isoleucine: Isoleucine is responsible for boosting energy levels and promoting intense workout sessions. 

Leucine: BCAAs consist of hydrophobic amino acids which are responsible for the biosynthesis of protein in the body. Consuming leucine helps develop muscles. 

Threonine: Threonine is another essential amino acid present that helps in the treatment of multiple nervous system disorders such as spinal spasticity, sclerosis, etc. 

Tryptophan: Tryptophan helps in balancing nitrogen levels in the body as well as enhancing athletic performance. 

Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is an amino acid that helps in treating pain and skin disorders. It further produces protein and other molecules to boost multiple bodily functions. 

How Safe Are BCAA Supplements?

According to experts and doctors, they are safe for consumption for healthy individuals. The substance is not banned but you have to be careful while consuming these supplements. You should know the proper dosage before consuming them. If you are on medications, you should be careful while using them. Make sure to choose from a reputable brand and look at the ingredients before choosing the right supplement for you. 

When Should You Consume BCAAs

Branched-chain amino acids are one of the most effective intra and post-workout supplements. Since they help in building and repairing damaged muscles post-workout, they can be consumed immediately after you have completed your intense exercise/ training. They work best thirty to sixty minutes after you consume them. 

You can also take them fifteen to thirty minutes before beginning your workout. For best results, take them three times a day. 

Can Protein Be Obtained From Sources Other Than BCAAs

While protein can be found in Branched-chain amino acid supplements such as powders, liquids, and capsules, there are other sources to get protein. Whole foods contain enough protein as well as other essential nutrients. Red meat, tofu, nuts, legumes, fish, etc contain protein and fibre, iron, and protein that provides energy and also helps in maintaining overall health. Another rich source of protein is Omega 3 which is found in fish and multiple seafood. 

Are BCAAs Worth The Hype?

To answer if they are worth the hype, you must consider the parameters you are choosing to decide the answer. They are worth the hype for many reasons. 

BCAAs for women or men, without any doubt, help in muscle building, improving performance, boosting exercises, reducing muscle soreness, aiding torn muscles, and having other multiple benefits. They are known to improve mental focus, enhance endurance as well as develop the immune system. 

Branched-chain amino acids are responsible for protein synthesis. You can easily consume them from protein-rich food along with supplements that are of high quality.