First up, what’re BCAAs?
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) have been a staple in recovery for years but there is a limitation to their benefits. Meet the new and improved version: BCEAA Ultra, set to up the ante. Including all nine Essential Amino Acids, the new formula enables anabolic power your workout to fire hot new levels. But what does that mean and how will it take your training to the next level?
We cut to the chase, speaking to Body Science’s sports dietician Harriet Walker to understand the ins and outs of the recovery saviour.
When should I be using it?
The most useful time to include the BCEAA Ultra formula is in the hours around training, especially during times of caloric restriction when trying to lose weight and maintain muscle.
This article was written by Harriet Walker, BSc Sports Dietician.
BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) are three of the Essential Amino Acids, which have been identified as being critical for muscle synthesis and used to boost amino acid levels during and around training. BCAA supplementation has been shown to have an anti-fatigue effect in energy-depleted athletes and boost energy; as well BCAA supplementation may help burn fat during high-intensity exercise.
So, what is BCEAA Ultra? Vitamin B6 and Glutamine have been added into the mix, playing a primary role in amino acid metabolism, specifically in BCAA synthesis. For those who undertake strenuous exercise, BCEAA keeps our immune function strong and may assist with muscle recovery – because let’s face it, no one wants to miss a workout! So, why do we need essential amino acids?
We need our brain to function optimally
Essential amino acids are not only involved with muscle development but form the precursors for neurotransmitters, our brain’s chemical messengers.
To maximise muscle recovery
When the body is missing even one of the essential amino acids, there is a risk of reduced capacity for muscles to rebuild and for impaired muscle recovery.
The most important hours are after we train
Muscle protein synthesis is stimulated in the hours after a training session. However, this is when muscle breakdown is at its peak too. To combat muscle breakdown, enough protein is essential as the consumption of Essential Amino Acids assist in the muscle synthesis and offset the normal muscle breakdown that occurs after training.
Get the most out of your training
Supplementation with essential amino acids can be of immense benefit during long periods of exercise, as well when cutting calories to drop body fat.
