The BCAA Breakdown

The BCAA Breakdown

The branched amino acids include 3 essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are called branched chain aminos because of their structure. Each one has a forked outcrop structure, they are also special for numerous reasons. The main reason has to do with how the body handles them.

When most amino acids are ingested, either as individual amino acids or as whole proteins, they are absorbed by the intestines and shuttled straight to the liver. There, the liver decides what to do with them before they go to the rest of the body. If the body needs more energy, the liver will break aminos down for fuel rather than spare them to repair and build muscle and other tissues.

The 3 BCAAs, on the other hand, tend to be spread by the liver and get direct access to tissues like muscle fibers. Based on their needs, muscle fibers can get to make the decision of what to do with the BCAAs. During a workout, muscle fibers can use them for fuel. After the workout is over, BCAAs can be used to build the muscle fibers up. When it comes to building muscles, the BCAAs are the most critical amino acids.

Of the 3 BCAAs leucine is the best. Leucine acts as a potent anabolic agent by spiking insulin levels. Like high glycemic carbs, leucine increases the release of insulin from the pancreas, which helps to drive the amino into muscle cells where it can work to stimulate muscle growth.

Insulin is also an anabolic hormone, encouraging muscle growth by promoting greater muscle protein synthesis and decreasing muscle protein breakdown. Leucine also plays a role in fat loss. The other 2 BCAAs are valine and isoleucine. Valine is great for energy and helps you stay alert and keep your brain sharper during the day when you are not working out and isoleucine plays the major role in promoting muscle growth and fat loss.

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