Stimulant-Free Pre Workout Supplements Stimulant Free Fat Burners Go to Best Store Go to Best Deal Enter your email to sign up Also get Supplement Deal Alerts? You can then monitor any items you like.Check your inbox to activate the alerts. BCAAs, or Branch Chain Amino Acids, are often referred to as the building blocks of the human body, due largely to the fact that they make up more than 35% of a person’s skeletal muscle mass. Not only that, but they are also vital for molecular development and growth to take place as well. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein molecules, so naturally, a great deal of bodybuilders and strength athletes tend to include BCAAs as part of their supplement regime. They are comprised of three amino acids, which are: Leucine, Valine, and Isoleucine, and they get their name due to the fact that their molecular chemical structure resembles the branches of a tree, hence the name Branch, or sometimes, Branched chain amino acids.
BCAAs are known as essential amino acids, due to the fact that the body needs them, but cannot synthesize them naturally. Because of this, they have to come in the form of supplements, beverages, or whole foods. Each of the amino acids making up BCAAs however, functions in a different way. Leucine for example, is considered a potent muscle building amino acid, due to the fact that this is actually the only protein that has been found to contribute directly to protein synthesis. Because of this, post-workout recovery heavily relies on this amino acid. On top of that however, it also contributes towards the production of sterols, which are essential for the formation of steroidal hormones such as HGH or Testosterone, which also help build muscle. Isoleucine plays a vital role in the utilization and mobilization of fat, in which it helps to body convert it into energy. Valine however, is considered most useful for energy production purposes as it can easily be broken down and converted into glycogen, which can then be used for energy.
Combine the three together, and you have a pretty awesome muscle-building supplement. Though there are many, many benefits associated with BCAAs, rather than covering them all in great detail, we’ll instead take a more direct look at some of the most prominent benefits one can expect when using BCAA supplements: As mentioned, BCAAs play a crucial role in the growth and repair of muscle tissue, due largely to the fact that they help assist with protein synthesis, in which the body literally synthesizes new muscle proteins to replace damaged and worn down ones. On top of that however, the additional energy you receive by using BCAAs, is also beneficial as the more energy you have, the more productive your workouts will become. Another great benefit of BCAAs is the fact that they can help you to lose body fat, whilst preserving lean muscle mass. This is mainly down to isoleucine, which as mentioned, helps assist with fat mobilization and utilization, which basically means that it helps allow the body to burn fat as a primary energy source.
This is ideal because you actually fuel your workouts with your body fat stores, so the more fat you burn, the more energy you have, which means that you can exercise even harder and more intensely. Another reason why people tend to supplement with BCAAs is the fact that they also help to boost the metabolism and assist with energy production. Isoleucine for example, helps to burn body fat for energy, whereas valine can actually be converted directly into glycogen, which the muscles use as a primary source of energy. BCAAs commonly come in powered supplement form, although some are sold in liquid form, and/or tablet form as well. Experts recommend around 2 x 5g servings per day, so 10g in total. Some people choose to add them to their post-workout shake, whilst others sip on them during their workout. A second dosage is usually taken late at night, before going to bed. Health Canada Recommended Dose (capsules): Adults: 1 - 6 Capsule(s) 1 time(s) per day. Health Canada Recommended Dose (powder): Adults: 1 Scoop(s) 1 time(s) per day.
Mix product well in 1-2 cups of liquid (water, juice, etc.) immediately before consumption. Store in a cool, dry place. So, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between BCAAs, and Essential Amino Acids, or EAAs. In reality, essential amino acids actually contain BCAAs, except for the fact that they also contain other amino acids, so the concentrations of BCAAs are not as strong. EAAs are still beneficial, but experts recommend prioritizing BCAAs over EAAs, as they are considered three of the most beneficial of all essential amino acids. BCAAs are a very potent muscle building supplement, and because of this, they are often stacked with other muscle building supplements. Common muscle building stacks include: pre-workout supplements, whey protein, BCAAs, and L-Glutamine. Medicinal Ingredients (per capsule): L-Leucine .............................. 250 Milligrams L-Isoleucine .......................... 125 Milligrams L-Valine ................................ 125 Milligrams Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Gelatin.