The Benefits of Taking BCAAs & EAAs
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The Benefits of Taking BCAAs & EAAs

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Amino acids are compounds that play many roles in the body and are often referred to as the building blocks of proteins.

The body requires 20 different amino acids for optimal growth and function. While all of these are essential for your health, only 9 are classified as essential. Essential amino acids (EAAs) contain 9 amino acids, including branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs contain leucine, isoleucine and valine. 

As EAAs can’t be made by the body, they must come from the diet or supplementation. Amino acids are found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and soybeans. Supplements are also a great way to boost EAA and BCAA intake, resulting in improved athletic performance, recovery and general well-being.

 

What do amino acids do? What are the benefits of taking BCAA? 

EAA benefits include;

  • Methionine  assists in energy production and fat metabolism.
  • Lysine  stimulates growth hormones and muscle building.
  • Tryptophan  enhances mood and pain tolerance.
  • Threonine  plays an important role in heart health, strong bones and muscles.
  • Phenylalanine  reduces the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), pain tolerance and enhances mood.
  • Histidine  assists in offsetting lactic acid build up. 
  • Leucine  plays a vital role in protein synthesis and energy production.
  • Isoleucine  enhances endurance, energy, muscle recovery and is important for immune function.
  • Valine  is important for muscular growth, energy, and recovery. 

BCAAs in particular, alleviate fatigue, improve performance and stimulate muscle recovery after exercise. They supply twice as much leucine as isoleucine and valine, which is often referred to as a 2:1:1 ratio. Leucine is particularly beneficial at stimulating protein synthesis and suppressing muscle protein breakdown. Recent studies suggest that the intake of the BCAA’s reduces RPE. Over time, reduced RPE helps sustain higher workloads, leading to increased time to exhaustion. 

 

Is it good to take BCAAs and EAAs everyday? Why should you take BCAAs and EAAs?

Definitely! BCAAs and EAAs should be an essential part of your daily diet and are a great supplement to take not only for increased performance, but other health benefits too!

 

Key BCAA EAA benefits  include;

  • Increased strength by stimulating muscle growth
  • Reduced exercise fatigue by providing a source of energy during prolonged exercise
  • Reduced muscle damage and soreness
  • Support healthy weight loss
  • Improved mood
  • Immunity support
  • Regulated appetite, sleep and blood sugar levels
  • Stimulated wound healing and production of growth hormones
  • Essential for nutrient absorption and metabolism support

 

Can I take EAA and BCAA together? 

Yes! EHPlabs Beyond BCAA + EAA combines branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) with essential amino acids (EAAs) which work in harmony to prevent catabolism while helping to build lean muscle mass.

Beyond also contains Senactiv, a natural, plant-based compound scientifically validated in 2 in-vivo and 4 human clinical studies with 6 interventions evaluated. Similar to the role of BCAAs, it promotes energy and muscle preservation. Senactiv increases the production of citrate synthase, which is responsible for producing more ATP (energy our body uses). Supplementation has shown beneficial effects in skeletal muscle preservation, by enhancing mechanical stability of the cell and mitochondrial membranes against temperature shifts which occur during and after exercise. Studies also suggest that it works to promote old cell removal, giving way for optimal cellular regeneration. 

A focus matrix of Tyrosine and Huperzine-A has also been added for increased focus and mood enhancement. Studies have shown that Tyrosine can improve working memory, focus and coordination when exercising. In addition, Huperzine may improve neuromuscular strength potential, alertness and focus by increasing endplate potential and brain neurotransmitter levels. 

With a wide variety of incredible flavours to choose from, supplementing with BCAAs & EAAs has never been easier!

 

How long does it take to see results from BCAA?

Studies show that BCAA levels in your blood peak 30 minutes after consumption. With this in mind, for immediate energy, performance and recovery benefits, it’s best to consume a BCAA supplement shortly before, during or after your workout.

Previous research has also shown daily prolonged intake BCAA of one week or more has greater benefits than short term intake. 

 

Do BCAAs give you energy? 

BCAAs are mostly broken down in the muscle and for this reason, they are thought to play a role in energy production during exercise. 

BCAAs serve as a source of energy when glucose levels (your muscles’ main energy source) are low. Isoleucine and valine have been shown to be most effective at producing energy and regulating blood sugar levels. BCAAs may also help decrease fatigue during exercise by reducing the production of serotonin in the brain. 

 

Do BCAAs make you gain weight? 

No, BCAAs do not make you gain weight as they contain very little calories. One serving of Beyond BCAA+EAA contains only 5 calories. 

 

Do BCAAs help you lose weight? 

BCAA benefits include enhanced weight loss and weight gain prevention. Previous studies have found that over an 8 week period, those who supplemented with BCAAs ​​lost more body fat and gained more muscle in comparison to the control group (1). 

That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that weight loss can only occur if you eat in a calorie reduced diet, in conjunction with regular exercise. 

 

Do BCAA have any side effects? 

BCAAs do not have negative side effects if taken in accordance with instructions listed on the product label. However, individuals with a rare congenital disorder called maple syrup urine disease may experience BCAA side effects and should limit their intake. This is because their body is unable to break them down properly and very high levels of these amino acids are considered harmful.

Experience the incredible benefits of BCAAs & EEAs and purchase a tub of Beyond  today!

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