10 Important Facts About BCAAs

When you stick to the same workout routine for a long time, it's possibly to hit a plateau in your results. If you aren't seeing the gains you expected by now, it may be because your muscles are breaking down at the same rate they're building, canceling out further results. 

To combat this, consider adding a BCAA supplement to your routine. Not sure what BCAAs do? These are the 10 facts you need to know about BCAA supplements.

1. BCAAs are branched chain amino acids and are among the nine essential amino acids the body needs for health. They're also known as proteinogenic amino acids.

2. The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine and valine and can be distinguished from other amino acids by their chemical structure.

3. The main function of BCAAs is to stimulate protein synthesis, which is the process of building proteins by the cells within the body. This prevents muscle breakdown after training from inhibiting the growth of lean, strong muscle mass.

4. BCAAs also help the body repair microscopic tears within the muscle tissue that can develop during exercise, leading to muscle soreness. More BCAAs = less soreness = less downtime between sessions.

5. Taking BCAAs may also improve your endurance, allowing you to perform better, longer. This is because it helps reduce the amount serotonin your brain produces during the workout, which can make you feel more tired.

6. A BCAA supplement in powder form can easily be added to a pre-workout shake.

7. It's best to take a BCAA supplement between 30 minutes and one hour before exercising AND then immediately after.

8. BCAAs can be found in foods that are rich in protein, including beef, dairy products like milk and certain legumes, but supplements provide a stronger dose.

9. A free-form BCAA supplement is easily absorbed into the bloodstream so you get the benefits more quickly than even the most protein-packed foods.

10. BCAA supplements aren't appropriate for anyone under the age of 18, those with ALS or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as not enough is known about potential side effects. BCAAs can also affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor first before taking BCAAs.

We carry BCAA supplements in a variety of strengths, both in powder and capsule form. Shop today and save!