What is BCAA’s?
Branched Chain Amino Acids is popularly known in its abbreviated form i.e. BCAA. There is a thin line between fat storage and gaining muscle mass in the body. Supplementing BCAA supplements might help you achieve desired muscle mass and shed that extra fat.
Uses of BCAA
Our body needs 9 essential amino acids. Among those, the essential amino acids that are part of BCAA are valine, isoleucine, and leucine. These essential amino acid are known as ‘branched chain’ simply because of their chemical representation as branched chains. No fitness enthusiast would want their body to go into the catabolic state where the body burns tissues because of calorie cut-down. It would then not burn fat and might result in loss of muscles instead of building it which happens in the anabolic state. The logic is simple: your body needs the amino acids to build muscles because it is the main source of energy. This in-turn is again important to boost fitness and sports performance. The most important benefit of BCAA is preventing muscle loss & breakdown.
1. Escalates protein synthesis- BCAA such as leucine promotes muscle growth and repair by escalating the process of protein synthesis in the body. It helps absorb the essential amino acids by breaking them down for your body to function.
2. Prevents muscle cessation- Taking BCAA supplements or foods rich in the BCAA content orally (by mouth) can reduce the chances of muscle breakage.
3. Improves brain functioning- Amino acids primarily generate protein and thus energy in the body. Amino acids have been proven essential in supplying energy to the brain cells.
4. Reduces fatigue in workouts- BCAA significantly increases and generates energy for people working out for particular fitness regimes and for sports. It does so by decreasing the serotonin hormone which allows you to feel a sense of tiredness or fatigue in workouts.
5. Protects muscle inflammation- If you are doing harder workouts then chances are to have a couple of sore muscles. BCAA helps in preventing muscle inflammation to give you the energy to push yourself during workout.
BCAA Side Effects
1. Stop taking BCAA supplements pre or post-surgery- It is best to avoid taking BCAA supplements during surgery period or after surgery immediately because BCAA might intervene with glucose levels in your body. You may not be able to control blood sugar levels in your body so it is best to avoid it two weeks prior, if you are scheduled for a surgery around that time.
2. Side effects for pregnant or lactating women- There are no such safety guidelines on pregnant or lactating women who could use BCAA supplements so it is best to avoid during pregnancy. BCAA’s are not suitable for women during periods.
