Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's)

Branch Chain Amino Acids are the top three amino acids needed for muscular development, muscular recovery, and from preventing muscle wasting. The three amino acids are: Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine.

BCAAs are a must for the athlete looking to add muscle mass to their frame. BCAAs make up 33% of the amino acids in muscles. That is an enormous percentage! To be able to develop larger, stronger muscles the body requires more amino acids to be able to redevelop muscles in a larger form after intense bouts of resistance exercise. To help increase muscle mass take a tsp of BCAAs before, during, and after training sessions.

For endurance athletes BCAAs play a big role in something called active recovery. Active recovery can happen when the body is supplied with carbohydrates (for energy) and amino acids (for recovery) during an endurance activity. This will help to improve performance and speed recovery after the activity is all said and done.

Likely the most important role for BCAAs in the sports supplement world pertains to muscle wasting. When a person is on a low calorie or low carbohydrate diet and/or using cardiovascular activity to aid in weight loss, the body will burn muscle as an energy source. Since this is not the intention of being on a fat loss regimen, one must protect their muscles by taking BCAAs multiple times a day to prevent the body from cannibalizing itself. Three key times to take BCAAs to prevent muscle catabolization are before breakfast, during cardiovascular activity, and in between meals if calories are extremely restricted.

BCAAs can easily be mixed in with protein shakes, smoothies, sugar-free cordial, or even just water for ease of taking.

BCAAs come in both caplets and powder form. For quick absorption purchase a powder form -- this is the best choice for 99% of all BCAA needs. For use between meals to prevent muscle catabolization the caplets are an excellent choice.