BCAA are branched chain amino acids which include three amino acids: valine, isoleucine and leucine. This dietary supplement is a great source of wholesome protein for an athlete. Our muscle fibers are made up of thirty percent of these three branched chain amino acids, which is why their supply is so important when building our figure at the gym.
Branched chain amino acids help protect our muscles. During intense training, the body needs energy, which it obtains from the breakdown (catabolism) of these amino acids, among others.
Valine – affects our endurance. It is a vitamin that allows the body to maintain the proper level of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). This vitamin determines the proper functioning of the central nervous system and the neuromuscular system, and what’s more, it protects against damage caused by free oxygen radicals.
Laucine – This amino acid determines the balanced carbohydrate metabolism by influencing glucose metabolism and regulates the level of cholesterol and other lipids in our body. Leucine is also involved in fat burning and is involved in lipolysis processes that lead to weight loss, and has the ability to inhibit the stress hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands.
Isoleucine – This branched amino acid determines the proper course of regenerative processes in our body, which is why it is so important during injuries of the musculoskeletal system and during contusions and overtraining. Isoleucine also regulates blood glucose levels.