What are BCAAs?

BCAAs are Branched Chain Amino Acids that are an essential class of amino acids. Our bodies cannot manufacture these amino acids and they have to be consumed through diet. BCAAs represent 3 specific amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are called branched-chain amino acids because of their branched chain structure which sets them apart from other amino acids.

When should I take BCAA?

While getting sufficient essential amino acids from the food source isn’t possible on a daily basis, BCAA supplements are a much better option. Taking BCAA before a workout easily allows for efficient use of BCAA as an energy source, promotes muscle endurance, and suppresses fatigue. Taking BCAA during a workout increases the concentration of BCAA in the body and prevents muscle breakdown. Taking BCAA after a workout helps speed up the replacement of amino acids in your muscles and speed up muscle recovery.

What does 2:1:1 on BCAA supplement mean?

Branched Chain Amino Acids refer to leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These essential amino acids cannot be produced by our body and we need to get them through an external source. 2:1:1 on BCAA supplement refers to the ratio of 3 branched chain amino acids. This is the best ratio of BCAA proven beneficial by different studies. AS-IT-IS BCAA includes an ideal 2:1:1 ratio of BCAA. In a 5g dose of BCAA supplement, Leucine contributes to 2500mg, Isoleucine contributes to 1250mg and Valine contributes to 1250mg.

Is BCAA a mass gainer or muscle gainer?

The efficacy of BCAA supplements is at its best pertaining to its enhanced muscle growth with resistance exercise. Mass gainer typically aims at helping you meet the high-calorie needs for weight gain. BCAA is a zero-calorie supplement that won’t help you gain weight but does help you grow your muscles stronger, and bigger after a workout. BCAA helps prevent muscle breakdown, speeds up recovery, helps you lose fat, reduces muscle soreness, and preserves muscle mass under catabolic conditions.

Can women benefit from BCAA supplements?

BCAA supplement is non-gender-specific, any individual over the age of 18, both men and women can equally benefit from BCAA. Those doing regular workouts, athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and vegetarians can benefit from BCAA. BCAA helps prevent muscle wasting, promotes speedy muscle recovery, and boosts energy for longer, harder workouts. As most of BCAA available foods are meat products, vegetarians will particularly benefit from BCAA.

What is the recommended dose of BCAA?

BCAAs supplements help boost muscle protein synthesis and muscle recovery. BCAAs help keep the body in an anabolic state and restrict muscle protein breakdown (catabolism). Consume 5g of BCAA daily combined with strength training to get good results in muscle building.

Is BCAA better than Whey?

The comparison doesn’t exist at all, while Whey is the most convenient, superior quality protein source, BCAA is the best, most convenient amino supplement that provides essential amino acids to the body. While Whey is a better protein option for those who exercise to maintain their fitness, combining BCAA with Whey or taking BCAA as a standalone supplement is suitable for those having a specific desire to build muscle mass and achieve a shredded physique. Whey includes a limited number of BCAA which take several hours in order to take effect in the bloodstream, BCAA in BCAA supplements is in free form and hence initiates the faster onset of action.

How does BCAA prevent muscle breakdown?

BCAAs are 3 of the 9 essential amino acids that comprise 35% of our muscle protein. During a hard, strenuous workout, our bodies run out of energy sources and begin to break down muscle proteins to use BCAAs for energy. The increase in muscle breakdown leads the body to a catabolic state. BCAA supplements help preserve the stores of glycogen, which is the primary fuel muscles use for energy production. Abundant glycogen stores keep the body from breaking down muscle protein for energy.

Is there a use in taking BCAA post-workout? How do I benefit?

Yes. BCAA is beneficial to be taken at just about any time during the day. BCAAs do not require digestion, they directly enter the bloodstream for instant use by muscle tissue. When taken post-workout, BCAA supplement prevents muscles from entering catabolism, reduces muscle soreness, delays the onset of fatigue, speeds up recovery, helps improve body composition, and muscle gains. BCAA helps increase the oxidation of fatty acids while maintaining lean muscles.

AS-IT-IS Nutrition BCAA, 250 g (0.55 lb), 62 Servings