{"id":30729,"date":"2021-09-08T08:07:07","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T15:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/?p=30729"},"modified":"2021-09-08T08:07:46","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T15:07:46","slug":"branched-chain-amino-acids-proteins-helper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/all-mfn\/branched-chain-amino-acids-proteins-helper\/","title":{"rendered":"Branched Chain Amino Acids: Protein\u2019s Helper"},"content":{"rendered":"

Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are an essential nutrient in our body that consists of the chain of chemicals obtained from protein.\u00a0We have\u00a020 different amino acids in our body,\u00a08\u00a0of which are considered essential, and\u00a03 are the branch chain\u00a0aminos\u00a0that\u00a0BCAAs are composed of. This chemical chain includes leucine, isoleucine, and valine.\u00a0We get this protein source from our food, particularly meat, dairy, and legumes. They stimulate protein\u2019s role of building muscle.\u00a0They also help prevent muscle breakdown.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

BCAA\u2019s are a popular fitness supplement. For athletes or even the common gym-goer, these chemicals can improve performance by preventing fatigue, improving concentration, and reducing muscle breakdown. They have been shown to improve muscle soreness post-exercise. They can help reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) which typically occurs within the initial 24 to 72 hours post-workout. Leucine aids in the muscle-making process. BCAAs have been shown to increase protein synthesis by up to 22%. Many protein powders contain branched chain amino acids, but they can also be found as a supplement all their own. Most protein powders have about 5 grams of BCAAs per 25 grams of protein.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They are also used medicinally. They are given to people with liver disease. They help the brain translate messages and impede upon faulty signaling related to liver disease, anorexia, mania, and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary repetitive body movements). When cirrhosis occurs in the liver, the brain does not signal correctly to help remove waste products and toxins from the blood. BCAA\u2019s improve appetite to help people with these diseases to have better nutrition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bodybuilders like to take BCAAs as a result of the dieting process leading up to a competition. Dieting is part of stage preparation to look your best, but in this process, the body is at a caloric deficit to get the lean, cut look. However, the competitor doesn\u2019t want to lose muscle mass. BCAAs work their magic with protein synthesis trying to build new muscle while fighting the deficit and then work to decrease breakdown.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best food sources that contain BCAAs are meat and dairy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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