About BCAAs
Happy Monday peeps! Time to drop some knowledge... 🤓
Did you know? - "Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs)" refers to 3 specific, amino acids: Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. These are grouped together (and so named) because they are the only three to have a molecular chain that branches off to one side. 🧬
BCAAs are unique because, unlike most other amino acids, they are primarily metabolised within the muscle itself, as opposed to being broken down by the liver. All 3 BCAAs are also classified as "essential", meaning they are not made in the body, and must therefore come from our diets 🍖
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, BCAAs account for about 35 - 40% of all essential amino acids present in our bodies, and 14 – 18% of those found in our muscles. 💪
So what does all this nerdy stuff mean? Well, BCAAs are rapidly absorbed, and are readily taken up by muscle tissue. They also provide an additional fuel source for working muscle during exercise. Amongst other things, our bodies use BCAAs as building blocks for muscle, and can help reduce the fatigue you feel during exercise. 🏃♂️
Aaaannnnnnnnd that is why people take BCAA supplements!