First off, lets begin with what are BCAAs? BCAAs stands for branch chained amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein (we get this from our diet from foods like meat, dairy and legumes). Branched chained amino acids are made up of three essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine.
These are essential amino acids because our body is unable to make them so therefore we need to consume them through food or supplements.
WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE BCAAs?
BCAAs are a great supplement to include in your diet because they play a major role in stimulating protein synthesis!
They increase synthesis of the cell’s to carry out the process of protein synthesis as well as increasing the cell’s capacity for protein synthesis!
BCAAs are believed to also enhance exercise performance. During exercise, it causes an increase in serotonin levels which are believed to cause fatigue. BCAAs have been found to reduce serotonin levels, therefore minimizing fatigue and enhancing exercise performance!!
BCAAs are primarily metabolized in skeletal muscles in comparison to other amino acids, in the liver.
This is why BCAAs also help repair damaged muscles, decrease muscle soreness and increase mental function.
WHEN TO TAKE BCAAs?
Drink your BCAAs before, during or after your training!
I love drinking on mine throughout the day in addition to during my workouts!
Aim for 5g of BCAAs per hour of training.
WHICH KIND OF BCAAs SHOULD YOU TAKE?
The list could go on forever with possible options of flavours and brands of BCAAs to take!!
I’m all for trying new supplements and changing it up but currently I have been taking & loving:
Rich Piana’s 5% Nutrition- AllDayYouMay
Flavour: Blue Raspberry
I absolutely love this product! Not only is the taste AMAZING it offers some unreal benefits in comparison to other BCAA brands.
- It has a 10:1:1 BCAA ratio!!!
- Offers joint & liver support
- Powerful Anti-oxidant Immue System Support
- Muscle Stamina Enhancers
Ballistic Laboratories- Amino Reload
Flavour: Peach Mango
Another one of my favourites! This one sold me because this company is a Canadian company and all of their products are pharmaceutically licensened! Therefore, you know you are getting nothing but highly advanced, quality formulas!
Not only is the product made from high quality ingredients and a trustable brand, the taste is out of this world!!!
Definitely a company to check out if you haven’t yet :)