BCAA Supplements: An Ultimate Workout Fuel

BCAA Supplement is an ultimate intra-workout fuel with Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine in the ratio 8:1:1 respectively. The most common ratio of BCAA supplements having these 3 essential amino acids is 2:1:1 with 2 parts of Leucine over 1 part each for the other two BCAAs. Leucine is a game-changer amino acid that activates the complex muscle building pathways when the body undergoes a heavy-duty workout or any strenuous workout session. BCAA supplements help in good lean muscle building and instant recovery of muscles.

Benefits Of Consuming BCAA Supplements:

Increased Muscle Growth

Most of the BCAA supplements in the market contain a common ratio of 2:1:1 for Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. But it is always advised to opt for BCAA Supplements containing these three amino acids in a ratio of 8:1:1 respectively. These essential amino acids are extremely vital for increased muscle growth and good muscular frame. It enhances the synthesis of protein in the body, and therefore, facilitates faster recovery and good muscle buildup.

Better Muscle Recovery

BCAA Supplements have Glutamine which is commonly found as over 61% of amino acid in the skeletal muscles which helps in better muscle recovery and strength. It also contains 19% nitrogen for vasodilation of nerves. L- Glutamine present in the BCAA supplements help in faster muscle growth and recovery of skeletal muscles which undergo rigorous wear and tear during a workout.

Promotes Fat Loss

Taking up BCAA supplements help you keep fuller and curb your appetite. Study shows BCAA supplements promote fat loss in women. It also preserves your lean muscles while you are dieting and keeps you satiated for long.

Reduces Fatigue & Normalises Soreness

BCAA supplements have both sodium and potassium as potent electrolytes. If consumed during workouts, these electrolytes prevent the onset of fatigue. It keeps the body hydrated for long even after a long and strenuous workout session.

Higher Leucine Content

BCAA supplements are effective because of their higher leucine content - approx 5.6g of leucine per serving with a ratio of 8:1:1 of Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine respectively. Leucine speeds up the muscle recovery process and helps in good muscle growth.

Max Pump

Every serving of BCAA supplement comes loaded with L-Citrulline which facilitates vasodilation and pump. It also helps in effective and efficient transportation of nutrients to the muscles by increased blood flow to the muscles.

No added Sugar

All BCAA supplements come with no added sugar so you just don’t have to worry about the overall sugar content in the body. All you can do is gulp down only what is good.

When to Consume

Highly trained athletes, fitness enthusiasts, gym goers or any individual who is training hard is recommended to consume BCAA supplement during the workout. It is ideal for both pre and post-workout regime. It will keep you all fuelled up and charged ensuring a power-packed performance in the gym. BCAA Supplements are essentially more important for vegetarians and vegans. Most people get enough of it when consuming an animal diet but for all those on a plant-based diet might be deficient.

Directions to Use

It is advised to mix around 5-6 grams of BCAA supplement in your protein shake and consume it during your workout session in order to get the best results. It can be mixed in both water and skimmed milk.

Top Food Sources that contain BCAA’s :

Milk
Poultry and Meat
Beans and Lentils
Tofu
Pumpkin Seeds
Quinoa
Nuts
Fish etc.

Safety and Side Effects of Consuming BCAA Supplements :

Consuming a BCAA supplement has no side effects and is proven to be extremely safe. A daily dosage of 13-15 grams per day is ideal. For all those suffering from LAS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease are not recommended to consume BCAA supplements. Consult your doctor for proper dosage and prescription before consuming it on a regular basis.

Let’s see who needs how much of BCAA?

Although taking up BCAA supplements completely depends on your fitness goals and needs of the body.

For women: A minimum of 9 grams of BCAA per day is recommended for women.

For Men: A minimum of 12-13 grams of BCAA per day is recommended for men.