Branched Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs for short, are among bodybuilders’ and strength athletes’ most commonly used supplements. BCAA supplements are popular because of their numerous benefits to muscle recovery, enhancing protein synthesis, and reducing muscle fatigue during workouts. But each year, new sports supplements come on the market. Some are better than others, and some are even questionable if they work at all. Not all BCAA supplements are created equal, so this article will discuss eight things you should look for before buying a BCAA supplement.
8 Things To Look For in a BCAA Supplement
BCAA is an acronym for branched-chain amino acids, three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) that the body cannot produce independently. BCAA supplementation has been shown to have many health benefits. Here are eight things to look for in a BCAA supplement:
Added Amino Acids
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They are essential for life; without them, you would not be able to repair your muscle tissue. BCAAs are a specific type of amino acid, one of the most important supplements you can take if you do any strength training or sports.
When looking for a BCAA supplement, look for one with added amino acids. Most BCAA supplements do not have added amino acids because they are expensive, which would bump up the cost significantly; however, this is worth paying extra for so that your body can get all the nutrients it needs when working out.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals. They help to maintain fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and many other functions. Appropriate electrolyte supplementation can also help prevent muscle cramps and fatigue by reducing the amount of sodium in your diet.
If you are taking a BCAA supplement, make sure it contains electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The amount of each electrolyte should be indicated on the label of your BCAA supplement. If you are not sure what they all mean or have questions about their importance, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements containing electrolytes.
Glutamine
The first thing to look for in a BCAA supplement is glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid that helps to reduce muscle breakdown and increase protein synthesis, which enables you to recover more quickly after exercise. It also helps increase the amount of glycogen stored in your muscles, which means you will have more fuel during intense workouts.
Glutamine has been shown to help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise and improve sleep quality. It is also said to help improve mental performance and focus. It is also known to help support healthy immune function and improve cardiovascular health.
Other Vitamins & Minerals
A BCAA supplement can also include other vitamins and minerals. It is not just branched-chain amino acids that your body needs. Many different vitamins and minerals can be found in BCAA supplements, too. If you take a lot of protein powders, then it is possible that you already get enough of these nutrients from your diet. If you want to ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs, consider taking a BCAA supplement containing other vitamins and minerals.
Hormone Regulation & Immune Support Compounds
One of the most important things to look for in a BCAA supplement is hormone regulation compounds like Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract and L-Theanine. These compounds can help reduce cortisol levels, which can help improve your immune system and reduce muscle soreness. Hormone regulation is important because it helps keep your body balanced and prevents you from losing muscle mass while dieting or working out. It is important for men who want to build muscle and women who want to lose weight without losing their curves.
You should look for immune system support in any BCAA supplement because an overactive immune system can cause low testosterone levels, leading to poor hormone balance, poor sleep quality, decreased cognitive function, and more!
Energy Boosting Compounds
BCAAs are a great way to enhance your energy levels, but not all BCAA supplements contain the same amount of energy-boosting compounds. BCAAs are a great way to boost energy, but they will not give you as much of a boost as other energy-boosting compounds like creatine or beta-alanine. These compounds will help you feel more energized while working out and trying to reach your fitness goals.
Some contain caffeine, and others have properties that enhance brain function and help you focus on your workouts. It would be best to look for BCAA supplements that contain additional energy boosters, such as caffeine or L-Theanine, in addition to BCAAs.
Flavoring and Sweeteners
BCAA supplements ensure they are not made with artificial ingredients or chemicals that could cause harm to your body. You want to be able to take your supplement without having to worry about any added flavors, sugars, or sweeteners. The best BCAA supplements will always be unflavoured.
If a BCAA supplement is sweetened with sucralose, it may impact your blood sugar levels more than other sweeteners. It is also important to note that some companies will add artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame. These are not good for you and can cause many side effects, such as headaches and nausea.
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline Malate is a popular ingredient in BCAA supplements. It also increases blood flow to the muscles. Citrulline malate is a combination of citrulline and malic acid, an organic compound. It is important in energy production in the body. It is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, such as apples and pears.
Citrulline malate has been shown to boost athletic performance by improving oxygen delivery to the muscles, which helps with endurance, strength, and recovery time.
Citrulline Malate helps to improve your body’s ability to synthesize proteins.
Budget
Budget is probably the first thing to look at when browsing BCAA supplements. BCAA supplements can be expensive, but you do not need to break the bank to get one. You can find BCAA supplements at any price, providing the same benefits. The most important thing is to find one that works for your budget and helps you reach your fitness goals.
The amino acid is the most important for muscle building and recovery. It is also the most expensive. If you are looking to save a few bucks, look for a BCAA supplement with a high concentration of leucine. If you can not find one that contains at least 2 grams of leucine per serving. You might want to consider something else.
How Much BCAA Should You Take?
BCAA stands for branched-chain amino acids, one of the essential nutrients you can take before a workout. Here is what you need to know about how much BCAA you should take before your activity:
- The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) is 2 grams of BCAA daily. You should not exceed this amount.
- For optimal results, take 5 to 7 grams of BCAA 1 hour before your workout and 10 to 15 grams after your workout
Conclusion
Taking BCAA’s is a great way to supplement your diet and help you achieve your fitness goals. But it is essential to find the best product for your purposes. if you read the above article on this topic as a starting point for your research. Then, when you are ready to make a purchase, consider the factors above.
