Building muscle is no easy feat. It can take more time than most people expect and more discipline than most people have. There are ways you can help your body build lean muscle more effectively though. One of those ways is supplementing with a quality BCAA supplement also known as branched chain amino acids. We have discussed BCAAs in previous blogs but have never dove into how important a role they can play with building lean muscle mass.
Let’s recap. there are 20 different amino acids that make up thousands of different proteins in the body. 9 of the 20 are considered essential which means they cannot be made by your body. They must be obtained from your diet. Of the 9 essential amino acids there are three BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Leucine
Leucine activates specific pathways in the body that stimulate protein synthesis which is the process of making lean muscle. According to an article from PubMed “Significant decreases in plasma or serum levels of leucine occur following aerobic (11 to 33%), anaerobic lactic (5 to 8%) and strength exercise (30%) sessions. Consumption of BCAA (30 to 35% leucine) before or during endurance exercise may prevent or decrease the net rate of protein degradation, may improve both mental and physical performance and may have a sparing effect on muscle glycogen degradation and depletion of muscle glycogen stores.” As you can see, supplementing with a quality BCAAs supplement such as our Vegan Aminos can help prevent or slow the breakdown of protein.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine is an isomer (they have identical molecular formulas) of leucine. While they are both a branched chain amino acid, their functions differ. Isoleucine assists in the wound healing process, detoxification of nitrogenous waste, stimulation of immune functions and the secretion of certain hormones. Our Vegan Aminos supplement not only contains the three BCAAs but it also includes an immune support blend to further boost the body’s natural immune system.
Valine
The last branched chain amino acid, Valine, helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration as well as energy production. It also promotes muscle coordination and mental strength while promoting an emotionally calm state. Valine is also very important for optimal growth in children.
A research study published in 2018 in the scientific journal Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry specifically looked at the effects of valine on animal subjects during exercise. The results of the study demonstrate that acute supplementation of valine, but not leucine or isoleucine (the other BCAAs), is “effective for maintaining liver glycogen and blood glucose and increasing spontaneous activity after exercise, which could contribute to the reduction of fatigue during exercise.”
Another clinical study published in 2017 finds that acute supplementation of BCAAs (0.087 g/kg) increased the rate of recovery in isometric strength and perceived muscle soreness compared to placebo after a hypertrophy-based training session among diet-controlled, resistance-trained athletes.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits from supplementing with a quality BCAA supplement such as our Vegan Aminos. This supplement provides all three branched chain amino acids that all help the body’s recovery processes and aid in building lean muscle mass.
Follow Protea Nutrition on social media to not miss the announcement of our newest Vegan Amino Flavor – Peach Tea which will be available soon. Like all of our products, our Peach Aminos will not contain any artificial ingredients, sweeteners or flavors – natural quality ingredients, always!
The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
