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What Is BCAA Supplement And What Is It Used For?

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What is BCAA meaning?

BCAA full form is Branched Chain Amino Acid.  It’s a group of three vital amino acids:

  • Leucine
  • Isoleucine
  • Valine

They are also called so because of their molecular structure. BCAA are known to have a “side chain” of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms.

These are a group of three important amino acids that any human body does not produce and so one needs to focus on getting them from some external sources. 

Among the three, Leucine is considered the imperative one known to trigger and stimulate cell development. It is thought to have a maximum effect on building muscle proteins. 

For BCAA, main source is keratin and yes, this is the same keratin found in hair follicles. BCAAs are most often mined from keratin with the support of solvents. Corn is one of the most commonly genetically modified crops and is one of the most widespread sources of branched chain amino acids. Therefore, when you are going to select a BCAA powder, you should do your due diligence and research about the brand. This is all to be safe and sure that this supplement is not sourced from animal products. 

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This is very general fact that BCAAs in general are beneficial during exercise, but we now know that leucine in specific has very precise effects on muscle and that during your workouts the other two i.e. isoleucine and valine only get in the way by competing with leucine for absorption. Leucine is the one main branch chain amino acid required for muscle protein synthesis and prevention of muscle catabolism, constraining the breakdown of muscle tissue. 

Both athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts often opt for branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). There are some studies that show that BCAAs support in building muscle, reduce workout fatigue, and decrease muscle soreness after exercise. However, it is very important that to consume this product on time to get the desired health benefits.

Taking BCAAs before or after exercise can also provide equal benefit in providing muscle protection. So, you do not need to time your consumption and need to worry about the result. But, getting a correct dose based on your body weight is important, as well as taking it every day to get the benefit in long term, including on non-exercise days.

BCAA is far more important than a quick fix or to look like you know what you’re doing to your friends in the gym. Below, we talk you through four of the most relevant BCAA benefits that are applicable to all, whether you lift five times a week, swear by short and sharp HIIT sessions or just want to recover from exercise easier.

BCAAs Build Muscle

One of the most popular benefits of BCAA is building muscle mass. Leucine in BCAA works as a main ingredient that stimulates muscle protein synthesis to build muscle mass. BCAA plays an important role in this, but you also need to remember that your body needs all essential amino acids for the best result.

BCAAs can Limit Fatigue

Research suggests BCCAs can also fight the rate at which you exhaust from exercise. Of course, there are various factors in any workout that can add to this — strength, duration and fitness levels, to name three — but BCAAs help reinstate levels of tryptophan in your brain, a chemical that converts to serotonin and causes fatigue during workout.

BCAAs could Help You Burn More Fat

When it comes to fat-burning, BCAAs and leucine consumption could support with weight loss. Though it is very important that you should take care of your diet if you want to lose fat, but consuming BCAA in combination with glutamine can help you to achieve this goal.

BCAA can Help Prevent Muscle Wasting

This supplement can help in prevention of muscle wasting or breakdown. As muscle proteins are constantly broken down and rebuilt so it is very important that you take something to support the muscle mass and prevent the muscle wasting if you are doing workout daily.

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