BCAA

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are among the most beneficial and effective supplements available. Essential amino acids are an important source of supplementation because they cannot be manufactured by the body. In order to get all the amino acids the body needs, it is important to recognize that essential amino acids must be ingested with protein foods, a combination of vegetable foods, or supplementation. BCAAs are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and during times of physical stress and intense exercise.

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Benefits:
*Powerful strength and endurance supplement
*Anti-catabolic effects reduce muscle breakdown
*Energizes body for enhanced workouts
*Supports muscle growth and recovery

There are two types of amino acids: non-essential and essential. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body, and do not necessarily have to be ingested through food. Essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be ingested through food or supplementation. The term non-essential can be misleading, in that ‘non-essential’ amino acids are in fact essential for the health of the body.

After eating a food high in protein, the stomach and intestine digest the food into individual amino acids and short chains of amino acids that are small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids have far reaching effects in the body, from building and repairing tissue to the production of chemicals that enable our brains to function at top level.

What makes essential BCAAs of such importance is that BCAAs are metabolized in the muscle rather than in the liver. Once protein is broken down into individual amino acids, these amino acids can either be used to build new proteins or be burned as fuel to produce energy. In the case of strength or endurance athletes, BCAAs are essentially the parts of protein used as fuel. And when the protein stores of fuel have been exhausted, the body begins to use lean muscle to get the energy required. Up to 15% of total energy produced in athletic activity is provided by hard-earned muscle that is virtually ‘eaten’ by the body during hard training.

BCAAs are broken down in the muscle rather than in the liver, making BCAAs a very effective means of limiting muscle breakdown during exercise. By allowing the body to burn BCAAs as fuel rather than hard-earned lean muscle, BCAA supplementation can be extremely beneficial to anyone looking for improved physical performance, endurance, and appearance.

Research has also shown that BCAA supplements can help those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) to maintain muscle strength. Individuals with liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy) can also substantially benefit from intravenous administration of BCAAs.