Like protein powder, Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are a muscle building
essential. Before whey protein shakes, creatine, and Cittruline Malate ranked
supreme as popular bodybuilding supplements, BCAAs were the hottest ticket for
all athletes and bodybuilders. That’s because they enhance muscle growth,
strength, energy and even fat loss. If you're not using them, here are a few
words about why you should.
BCAAs are the building blocks of lean muscle. The three BCAAs, so named
because of their branched chemical structure, are essential because your body
can’t make them from food or other compounds. Although there are about
20 amino acids that your muscles use for fuel and growth, these three BCAAs
make up one-third of the total amino acids in your body's muscles.
How do they work?
What's really special about these three aminos is how your body handles them.
When you ingest amino acids as individual aminos or as protein, they travel to
your liver, which immediately breaks them down and uses them for fuel if the
body needs them for energy rather than for rebuilding muscle and other tissues.
Yet, the liver tends to spare BCAAs, sending them directly to the muscles to be
used for building muscle or for fuel. Your muscles can use BCAAs, unlike other
aminos, directly for fuel. This gives BCAAs two unique properties. First, during
workouts, muscles readily use BCAAs for fuel. Second, during rest, such as after
your training, BCAAs are used for building muscle.
Pre training muscle fuel
Intense and longer workouts will rob BCAAs from your muscles because your body
uses BCAAs as fuel. To counteract this, take a spoonful of BCAA powder right
before you train. Because you have made additional BCAAs readily available to
the muscle as a direct source of energy, your energy levels will be higher
during the workout. If using The Curse pre workout to push your training to the
next level, you should supplement with BCAAs. BCAAs also help prevent you
feeling tired during workouts, so you to train harder and longer, encouraging
greater muscle growth. BCAA supplementation can also help to enhance mood and
brain function by reducing brain fatigue through this same mechanism.
Post training muscle growth
More energy to workout is important, but the critical BCAA benefit is the
ability to drive muscle growth. BCAAs increase growth by directly stimulating
muscle protein synthesis, building up your muscle protein (protein synthesis),
one amino acid at a time, like building a brick wall. BCAAs also enhance muscle
growth by facilitating growth hormone. A 2001 study from Italian researchers
found that athletes taking BCAAs for one month had higher levels of growth
hormone and growth hormone binding protein after exercise. BCAAs also affect the
catabolic hormone Cortisol, a catabolic hormone that interferes with the
anabolic hormone, testosterone, and encourages muscle breakdown. Numerous
studies have confirmed that athletes taking BCAAs have significantly less muscle
breakdown, delayed muscle soreness after exercise, and enhanced muscle
recovery.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 5g
(1 heaped teaspoon)
Servings per pack: 100
Amount Per Serving
L-Leucine 2500mg
L-Valine 1250mg
L-Isoleucine 1250mg
Directions
Add one serve (one heaped teaspoon) to your Eat Me protein shake or flavoured
drink and mix using a shaker or blender. BCAA powder will not mix using a spoon
and a glass. Timing can make all the difference to your results. We recommend
5–10 grams per serving and up to least four servings spaced out over each day;
first thing in the morning, within 30 minutes of working out, during your
workout, within 30 minutes of working out.
For best results, add one serve to the ultimate pre workout, The Curse! Shake
and drink 30 minutes before action. Use with Eat Me 100% Whey, Creapure®
creatine and L-Glutamine. Combine with a sensible diet and regular exercise.
NOTE: Formulated supplementary sports food. Not to be used as a sole
source of nutrition. Should be eaten in conjunction with a nutritious diet &
appropriate physical training or exercise programme. Not suitable for children
under 15 years of age or pregnant women: Should only be used under medical or
Dietetic supervision.