All athletes are well acquainted with such a dietary supplement as BCAA.
What is BCAA?
This complex, which includes 3 proteinogenic amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are very important for the human body, because thanks to them, protein is synthesized. But the body is not able to synthesize them on its own, so that they are combined into one complex and perfectly complement each other's action. This supplement is very popular among bodybuilders, as these amino acids are important for people with high physical activity. They are the basis for the synthesis of other amino acids by the body. In comparison with the usual protein, which is also actively consumed by athletes, BCAA is already a breakdown protein, which greatly accelerates its absorption.
The effect of BCAAs on the body and muscles
A significant part of the muscle mass consists of leucine, isoleucine and valine. In addition, these amino acids provide a lot of additional energy, which is a great advantage for an athlete during training. During active sports, muscles lose contractile protein, so its renewal is a very important point. When taking BCAAs, the stamina of the body and muscles increases. The use of this supplement before training will help get rid of the feeling of fatigue, and after training it will prevent the loss of important amino acids, or restore energy. Energy will appear due to the release of the hormone serotonin, which just appears due to the action of BCAAs. The effect on the body of a woman, these amino acids have exactly the same as on the male.
The main functions of the BCAA
- Since BCAAs are a breakdown protein, presented in the form of three essential acids, which are the basis for building muscles, the main function is to obtain material for building muscle mass. The effect of BCAAs on the body is manifested mainly in this.
- Also, these three amino acids provoke other important substances that are very important for the body. For example, insulin is produced that delivers energy to muscle cells.
- BCAAs can help prevent muscle loss. This property is very important for athletes who follow a low-calorie diet, since during this period their body receives extremely few calories, and BCAAs will compensate for this and block muscle loss.
How to use
There is an interval of the BCAA intake norm - this is from 4 grams to 8. It is relevant for both athletes pursuing the goal of gaining mass and losing weight. The maximum number of times per day is 3. Of course, you can consume less of these amino acids, but this norm is designed for complete saturation. Some manufacturers decide to cheat due to the fact that some buyers may not know the nuances, and sell BCAAs in reduced doses, while leaving the price unchanged. So it’s worth being more careful and attentive to read the description of the purchased product.
BCAA is a fairly independent complex of amino acids, which does not require additional consumption of others; moreover, when only leucine, isoleucine and valine are ingested, they will be absorbed much faster. BCAAs do not require interruptions in admission. In order for these proteinogenic amino acids to be absorbed more efficiently, it is better to take them half an hour before and after sports. At this time, the body produces insulin, which will help absorption.
Is BCAA harmful?
Recently, among people associated with sports, there has been a lot of noise about BCAAs. Reviews say completely different things: then these amino acids are necessary for the body, then they cause harm.
If you use a product of dubious quality and origin, then, of course, it can be hazardous to health. Demand for the BCAA is growing, and in this regard, clandestine enterprises do not sit idly by releasing dubious fakes.
Improper storage conditions can also have an adverse effect on product quality. To avoid this, it is important to study the necessary operating rules and follow them to avoid spoiling the food additive. In addition, do not forget to learn the norms of consumption and adhere to them.
The effect of BCAAs on the liver is only possible if you have liver and kidney disease. In this case, the use can really cause some side effects and it is better to consult a doctor before use. But in general, in the absence of such diseases, there is no harm from BCAA. Reviews mainly talk about the good help of these amino acids to the athlete's body.
Reviews
If you play sports at a professional level, then BCAA is a must for you. Heavy regular physical exertion puts a lot of pressure on the muscles, and proper nutrition is very important for their proper growth, but this is not enough. It is difficult to create a diet in which the athlete would receive a sufficient amount of useful elements without the intervention of food additives. And here it is very important to take into account the effect of BCAAs on the body. Reviews show only positive opinions about this supplement, since it not only affects the muscles, but also the general condition of the person improves. Thanks to her, the bodybuilder can withstand heavy loads and increase the time spent in the gym. Watching for proteins, fats and carbohydrates, one should not forget about amino acids, since they are no less important, and they should not be neglected.
If you are just an amateur and visit the gym for yourself, then you can completely safely avoid the reception, and you will not care about the influence of the BCAA. In this case, the load on the body is not so great, so that it can cope on its own, but all, of course, with the right balanced diet.