Date: 12/12/2010
What exactly are BCAAs? The term refers to leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are branched chain amino acids. These amino acids cannot be made by your body, so you'll need to look to foods and sports supplements to get them. Branch Chain Amino Acids are the "Building Blocks" of the body. They make up 35% of your muscle mass and must be present for molecular growth and development to take place. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they form antibodies, they are part of the enzyme & hormonal system; they build RNA and DNA and they carry oxygen throughout the body.
BCAAs are of particular interest to bodybuilders because unlike other amino acids, which are broken down in the liver, they are metabolized in the muscles. Here, they can be used to produce energy or construct new proteins.
While complete protein sources, such as meats, do contain BCAAs, research has shown that additional supplementation can be beneficial. One advantage the supplementation of these amino acids lies in their ability to make the most of the all-important post-workout period.
Research has shown that in both males and females, amino acid supplementation after exercise can reverse net muscle protein balance from a negative to a positive state.
Taking them after training with a post work out meal or recovery drink will help speed the replacement of BCAA's in the muscles, enhance muscle recovery and prevent overtraining. For optimum results in supplement form, it is desirable to take your BCAA's separately from the other amino acid groupings to ensure full absorption into muscles.
Branched Chain Amino Acids are among the most beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program. Although these supplements have been around for a long time and there is many scientific studies done to prove benefits of BCAA supplementation in sports. Many people do not realise the effects or how vital BCAA supplementation is.
So if you are looking to increase you athletic performance, enhance recovery, gain more muscle or gain more energy naturally without any side effects should very seriously consider taking BCAA's.
