The Ultimate Guide to BCAAs: What They Are and How They Work
Here at Primeval Labs we want you to be informed. We want you to know the ins and outs of your supplements so you can know what best works for your goals. Today we discuss everything BCAAs.
What are BCAAs?
Branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs are a small group of essential amino acids that are not produced naturally by our bodies. It is important to note BCAAs are only three of the nine essential amino acids. Due to our bodies not producing BCAAs we must get them from food or supplements. The three BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. In some research BCAAs were shown to help build new muscle tissue through a process called muscle protein synthesis, however more recently it has been shown that you will need all 9 essential amino acids like you get with Primeval Labs EAA Max. BCAAs may also help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue during and after exercise. Along with having a 2:1:1 BCAA Ratio Primeval Labs has all 9 Essential amino acids so you get a complete essential amino acid profile to support your goals. Typically BCAAs are suggested to be consumed during hard workouts or training however they are also commonly consumed throughout the day.
What does each BCAA do?
Leucine
Leucine is one of the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). It is an important part of muscle protein synthesis, which is the process of building new muscle. Leucine is considered the most anabolic amino acid because it turns on a protein called mTOR in muscle cells. It is commonly referred to as flipping the anabolic switch. This means that leucine can help stimulate the growth of new muscle, making it a BCAA for athletes and bodybuilders who want to build muscle and strength.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine, another one of the three BCAAs, similar to leucine plays an important role in building muscle. Isoleucine has been shown to have a unique role in how muscle cells make energy. While exercising , the body uses glycogen from the muscle. This can lead to fatigue and a drop in performance. Isoleucine helps control how glycogen is used by the body, which can help improve muscle endurance and keep you from getting tired as quickly.
Valine
Valine is very different from the other two BCAAs in how it works. By making it easier for muscle cells to take in glucose, valine helps to keep blood sugar levels in check. Additionally Valine has been shown to help the muscle to take in glucose more easily during training. This supports more energy during training and may prevent your muscle from fatiguing as quickly. Valine is also an important BCAA in that it helps to prevent muscle breakdown.
Are BCAAs the same as EAAs?
No BCAAs are not the same as EAAs.
The three essential amino acids that make up BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are essential amino acids, which means that the human body can't make them on its own and needs to get them from your diet or through supplementation. BCAAs are just three of the nine essential amino acids.
EAAs are nine amino acids that the body does not produce on its own so it must get these from food or EAA supplements like Primeval Labs EAA Max. The nine EAAs include 6 other essential amino acids plus the three BCAAs leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
BCAAs are just a small part of the complete essential amino acids.
How can a BCAA benefit me?
If you are an athlete who wants to optimize muscle recovery and create an optimal environment for muscle growth BCAAs would be a supplement for you. As we have stated get your BCAAs from a solid nutrition plan or from an essential amino acid supplement like Primeval Labs EAA Max.
Is there a Best BCAA?
Based on the research at hand from various sources we would suggest if you are going to consume a BCAA supplement the best route would be to utilize a complete EAA supplement instead. Ideally an EAA supplement with a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio. You also want to make sure the EAA supplement you chose has all nine essential amino acids. Our recommendation is Primeval Labs EAA Max. A full essential amino acid containing all 9 EAAs and a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio.
What products to take if I want to take BCAAs