Role and Benefits of BCAA

Introduction

Branch Chain Amino Acids, also known as BCAAs, are used in supplements. They are found in protein-rich foods like meat, and dairy products like milk, eggs, and legumes. The body uses these amino acids to help with muscle repair and recovery after exercise or injury. They can also be used as an energy source during exercise. Or in other situations to help reduce fatigue during intense training sessions or competitions. Basically, in situations where we need extra energy. They help with muscle recovery after heavy-duty workouts. And can also be used to help build lean muscle mass.

BCAAs are essential to human health. These essential amino acids can be obtained through food sources, but they can also be supplemented. They are released when our body breaks down muscle tissue and help repair damaged muscle tissue. They are used in many supplements because they have been shown to help with muscle recovery and growth, as well as help with the reduction of catabolic hormones (such as cortisol). Thus, these are used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase strength and endurance.

What exactly are these BCAAs?

BCAAs are not the same as proteins, which are made up of amino acids. BCAAs contain both a carbon skeleton and an amino acid. The three most common BCAAs are leucine (the most abundant), isoleucine, and valine. They are used to build muscle; help us burn fat and increase endurance. We can use BCAA supplements to help us reach our fitness goals by increasing strength, boosting energy levels, and improving recovery time after exercise.

Role of BCAAs in our bodies

1. BCAAs constitute a huge part of our body’s total amino acids. In total, they make up about 35-40% of all essential amino acids present in our body. Nearly 14-18% of these are found in our muscles.

2. Unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are mostly broken down in our muscles rather than in our liver. Due to this reason, they are assumed to play a part in energy production while doing exercise.

3. Our body uses them as building blocks for proteins and muscles.

4. These may also regulate our blood sugar levels by helping in the preservation of sugar stores and stimulation of our cells to take in sugar from our bloodstream.

5. Besides, these may help decrease the fatigue we feel during exercise. This is believed to be achieved by decreasing serotonin production in our brains.

Possible side effects

BCAAs are mostly safe when used in doses of 12 grams per day for up to two years. They might cause a few side effects like fatigue, and loss of coordination. Thus, these should be used with caution before or during activities requiring motor coordination like driving. They may also induce problems in the stomach like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.

Who does not want to be fit these days?

Everyone wants to remain fit and energetic these days. And there are energy supplements available.

Shrey Mittal

(Shrey Mittal is the founder of Koshika Wellness Pvt. Ltd. A young entrepreneur, he has been working relentlessly in the field of health and wellness with his innovative range of products customised for the Indian fitness enthusiasts)