BCAA’s for Fat Loss and Muscle Preservation

What are BCAA’s?

BCAAs are branched chain amino acids which are made up of three essential amino acids, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine. These three amino acids are considered “essential” because our bodies cannot create them, they must come from our diet. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and have various functions relating to energy production, muscle preservation, fat loss, and muscle building when consumed before, during, and after exercise.

What do BCAA’s do for you?

1. Reduce fatigue- Have you ever felt yourself getting tired in the middle of a workout? Sarah Currie, RD and personal trainer says that, “exercise raises serotonin levels, the elevated serotonin levels are known to lead to fatigue.” A BCAA supplement like Bodystrong BCAA powder can help decrease that fatigue feeling and help increase performance, and endurance.

2. Increase fat loss- Recent studies have shown that BCAAs may have a positive effect on fat loss in those who are already on a weight loss program. On most fat loss diets carbohydrates are usually lowered, in that situation BCAAs spare glycogen, and can increase insulin sensitivity which will maximize a fat loss plan. In addition to sparing glycogen, it is also said that BCAAs may help with muscle building and preservation. The more muscle mass a person has, the greater the metabolic rate. This means that your body will actually become more efficient at burning calories even in a resting rate with a higher muscle mass.  

 3. Muscle Preservation- On any fat loss program it’s fair to assume that calories will be restricted to create a caloric deficit in order to burn fat. On any calorie restricted diet it is important to consume BCAAs for their muscle preserving effects. Currie explains how, “BCAAs are metabolized primarily in skeletel muscles, while other amino acids are metabolized in the liver.” Meaning these amino acids bypass the liver, and go straight to the muscle to aid with fueling, repairing, and prevention of muscle breakdown.

 So where can we find BCAAs?

 When you think amino acids think protein rich foods; red meat, dairy, chicken, fish, and legumes are great examples of whole food sources that will provide you with BCAAs. If you’re constantly on the go, don’t have a chance go get in a meal prior to a workout or forgot your meal at home a BCAA supplement would be a good investment and a great addition to you training regimen. Try Bodystrong BCAA powder, Twinlab BCAA tab or Betancourt Nutrition BCAA Chewies. 

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