Muscle Fitness Muscle & Fitness UK - April 2018 | Page 48

BREAKDOWN
EVERYTHING
YOU DON’T KNOW
ABOUT BCAAs
ADVERTORIAL
EVERYONE KNOWS BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACIDS SUPPORT
MUSCLE GROWTH, BUT THE BENEFITS DON’T STOP THERE.
When you talk about the “must-haves” of
supplements, branched-chain amino acids
(BCAAs) are at the top of the list. Leucine,
isoleucine and valine are best known for their
support of muscle growth, but the benefits go
much further. With continued use, BCAAs can
improve performance, accelerate recovery and
even support your weight loss efforts.*
Keep reading to learn the three main benefits
of BCAAs.
RECOVERY
As the building blocks of muscle, BCAAs are critical for
the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue. They help
you maintain the muscle you already have by acting
as an energy source for your muscles. Unlike most
aminos that are metabolized in the liver, BCAAs are
metabolized in skeletal muscle. As you deplete
glucose during rigorous exercise, your body is
quickly able to break down the amino acids for
energy, effectively preventing muscle catabolism.
Studies suggest that this may help decrease
delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). *
PERFORMANCE
Aside from their recovery benefits, research shows
BCAAs can also improve performance. Taking them
before your workout allows your body to utilize the
supplement for fuel (energy) and repair during
the exercise, which helps promote strength
and endurance. Mix them in with your
pre-workout or sip on them up to 30
minutes into your workout for the
best results. *