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Branched Chain Amino Acids for Bodybuilding
What are Bodybuilding Branched Chain Amino Acids?
The branched chain amino acids, or BCAA's, are isoleucine, valine and leucine. These are essential amino acids, meaning the body cannot make them on its own. The best way to get the BCAA's is from quality protein sources like lean beef, chicken, fish and dairy. Sometimes this is not enough, and supplementation is needed. Most people who do not work out get enough branched chain amino acids through their food. However, anyone who performs strenuous activity may need to bodybuilding BCAA supplements.
All of the amino acids are important for the many processes in the body. The BCAA's are specific to helping repair muscle tissue. A strenuous workout of heavy weightlifting causes tiny tears in the muscle tissues, and the body uses BCAA's to repair them.
The normal amount of BCAA's from food are enough to carry out the regular muscle tissue repair in the body. When exercise is introduced, it puts extra stress on the body's ability to repair them, though. If no extra nutrients are taken in, the body has to choose whether to use what it has for homeostasis or repairing muscle tissue. The body will always choose homeostasis because extra muscle tissue is not something that is necessary to maintain. This is why supplementing with BCAA's is crucial. Adding extra branched chain amino acids means the body does not have to breakdown any tissue to get aminos, they will already be in the system.
BCAA's should be used before, during and after exercise. Taken preworkout, they provide energy for the cells. Unlike food, BCAA's can enter the bloodstream without being digested. This means they are immediately available for the cells. Post workout they will help with muscle recovery for the same reason. They may also ease muscle soreness. In addition, they can help preserve muscle during a diet. If there are less nutrients coming from food, the body may break down muscle to get the amino acids stored in them. Using BCAA's during the diet will give the body what it needs without adding calories.
BCAA's are available in powder, pill and drink forms. The optimum balance for each amino acid BCAA supplement is leucine, valine and isoleucine in a 2:1:1 ratio. BCAA's are one of the most effective supplements for sports nutrition. While branched chain amino acids can be found in food, supplementing them around strenuous workouts can help ensure the body has all it needs to repair and grow the muscle tissue.
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Branched Chain Amino Acids for Bodybuilding