Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

October 25, 2010

As an athlete and a strength coach, I have always known about the benefits of protein and muscle mass. In order to increase lean muscle tissue, one has to eat foods that contain high levels of protein. Protein not only helps to build muscle, but also helps to keep you lean and energetic throughout the day. Often times when a person is not making progress in their training, it can be linked to not enough protein in the diet. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Today I am going to focus on leucine, isoleucine and valine, otherwise known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Many athletes have learned that taking BCAAs during their workouts increases their performance during a training session. Usually found in dairy and red meat, they prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue (catabolic), and even speed up recovery times. Numerous studies have proven just how effective these amino acids can be. According to a study from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "BCAA supplementation increases resistance to fatigue and enhances lipid oxidation during exercise in glycogen-depleted subjects". In other words, those who took BCAAs not only had more energy, but they also had a larger work capacity during their workouts. Studies on BCAAs are becoming abundant as more and more benefits are being discovered. To learn more, visit www.charlespoliquin.com and type BCAAs in the search engine. You will soon find out why this supplement is popular for those who are serious about their results.