"Aren't those things those bodybuilders use?" is probably what you're thinking to yourself right now.
If you're new to the world of supplements or you had some experience with them when you were working hard to get that lean body, either way let me tell BCAAs aren't just for bodybuilders.
It's a shame really that it's been like that for so long. Cause BCAAs are so freakin' good! I'll tell you why in a little bit but first, just what are BCAAs?
Well, for starters, they are essential for your body, or we can literally shrivel up and DIE!
Sounds like an extreme exaggeration, I know but check this out. In our body, there are 20 different amino acids that make up the proteins in our body. 9 of these, the body can't make on our own & so we have to rely on outside sources to get it.
That's where supplements & good diet come along, but you can either choose between a scoop or 2 of BCAAs, or eat a shit ton of steak. I go with the scoops every time 😉.
BCAAs actually cover 3 of these 9: leucine, isoleucine, & valine, and here's some of the benefits of those 3.
1. Maintain Muscle
One of the best benefits of BCAAs is it's ability to preserve muscle, and that's all thanks to leucine. This little guy is the one who's responsible for muscle protein synthesis, which is a fancy way to say to make muscle. For those of you who are worried you might get huge like those hulking bodybuilders, don't worry, you don't gain a whole lot of muscle. Just a little bit to perform to your very best, and look good while doing it. And for those of who like science and reading, go here to find more in-depth, science-y reasons why that is: for the science nerds.
2. Decrease Muscle Soreness
A lot of us did a lot of rigorous exercise to get these bodies that we craved for so long. Now that we finally have it, the costs of getting it are hitting us hard. Our muscles are constantly sore, knee & joint problems a plenty. While, it's a good thing you don't have to train that way anymore, you're putting on Rub A535 every night. There's got to be a better way. And there is!
BCAAs can help with this because every time you exercise, there are little tears in muscle. While that's good for growth, repeating it over time, only leads to more & more muscle soreness.
How does BCAAs factor into this? It decreases protein breakdown when you're exercising, and thanks to them, our creatine kinase levels go way down. Creatine kinase is an enzyme responsible for muscle damage. Higher levels = higher damage. Get more info here: SCIENCE!
3. Reduce Fatigue
As we get older and life starts hitting us in the face, we start to get tired way more easily. After work, instead of hitting the gym, we much rather just go home and chill with our family. But we have to keep these bodies in shape. That's what we worked so hard for!
And you want to know something that really helps to fight fatigue? Yup, you guessed it. BCAAS!
How does it do this? Pretty simple actually. But I have to become a science nerd for a little bit. That cool with you guys? I'm doing it anyway.
So what happens, when you're exercising, your lactate levels (responsible for muscle soreness) are high up there. What BCAAs do when they enter your bloodstream, is that they decrease those levels.
This in turn decreases the levels of an amino acid in your brain called tryptophan. Tryptophan gets converted into serotonin, which we all know what that does. Makes you feel happy! And actually more tired. Less tryptophan = less serotonin = less fatigue, but you still remain happy! Pretty cool right? But wait till you here the next benefit.
4. Prevent Muscle Loss
Another great thing about BCAAs is that it prevents muscles from being wasted. Let's say you took some time off from the gym. Maybe you went on vacation for a while. Maybe you wanted some time off to take care of your kids. Life happens. But the amazing thing about BCAAs, is that by drinking it regularly, even when you don't workout, you don't lose muscle! This is because BCAAs synthesize protein even when you're not working. It also keeps your metabolism up, so you don't have to worry about getting fat during your vacation! Don't eat like 50 cheeseburgers though, cause you'll get really fat that way.
5. Curb Your Cravings (but keep the enthusiasm)
We all get cravings now and then. We're only human after all. And that's what we preach at SuppCo; flexible "dieting", building fitness that lasts, training to maintain, and creating the you that you're happy with. But often time, we fall off the wagon more times than not, thus reversing any progress we made so far. Saying goodbye to the lean bodies we worked so hard to get. We don't want that to happen & that's why BCAAs have got your back!
What BCAAs do to help control your cravings for pizza, ice cream, or ice cream covered pizza is that they control your serotonin levels. Remember that from a couple of sentences ago? Well, when you're dieting or you're just really freakin' hungry, serotonin tells your brain "EAT EVERYTHING YOU SEE!"
BCAAs help to bring everything up to speed so everything is balanced out. Too high of serotonin? You get too tired. Too low? Too hungry!
BCAAs meet you halfway, and make sure everything is at a normal level.
Perfectly balanced, all things should be.
If you could only have one supplement for the rest of your life, make sure it's BCAAs. But some of the problems with mainstream BCAAs, is that they are still being marketed and designed for the bodybuilding crowd. There's really nothing specifically for us, fit-forever type people.
That's why SuppCo is saying "screw you!" to the bodybuilding industry and making their own BCAAs.
While we're still getting it made, we want to find out what YOU guys find most important in your supplements. So take this short survey down below, and let us know what you really want.
References
1. “BCAA Supplements - 5 Ways They'll Help You Burn Off Belly Fat.” Stayfitcentral, stayfitcentral.com/buyers-guides/bcaa-supplements-5-ways-theyll-help-you-burn-off-belly-fat/.
2. LayneNorton. “BCAAs: The Many Benefits Of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplements.” Bodybuilding.com, Bodybuilding.com, 3 July 2018, www.bodybuilding.com/content/bcaas-the-many-benefits-of-amino-acids.html.
3. Poliquin Group. “Poliquin - Healthy. Lean. Strong.” Myths About High-Protein Diets | Poliquin Article, main.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/1088/Ten_Benefits_of_BCAAs.aspx.
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