Unless you're an avid gym-goer, the words "BCAA powder" is not something you'll hear in a normal conversation. BCAA stands for branched chain amino acids. Its powder form is often used as a dietary supplement, although it is also used to treat a plethora of other health issues.
Two of its primary uses are repairing muscles and reducing the appetite. It is worth noting that its appetite suppressant qualities are not to be taken lightly, especially if you are building some muscles.
To build muscle, one has to engage in physically demanding exercises. For leg muscles, you run. For biceps, you lift weights. The more you do these workouts, the more your muscles deteriorate. If you do this too much, your body starts using your muscles as its source of energy. Our body does not produce BCAA, but we do get them from various foods. When we exercise, our body uses BCAA as one of its sources of energy.
That being said, it is important to have a healthy supply of BCAA. BCAA are essential amino acids. You can find various food sources such as chicken, beef, tuna, and eggs other energy-giving foods. Remember Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" where Gaston sang about eating a dozen eggs daily as a kid to get the body he had? It's actually true, although a bit exaggerated. Half a dozen eggs can give you a lot of BCAA.
Since most of the sources of BCAA also contribute to fat, you may opt for BCAA supplements. Think of them as Gatorade for your muscles. You can have BCAA powder, which is to be dissolved in water, or go with pills. The latter is expensive and is not idea for long-term bodybuilding regimens.
Another benefit, or side-effect depending on where you stand, is the reduced appetite. This makes it also idea for those who are hitting the gym to lose weight and not just build muscles. In fact, for those who are building some mass and taking BCAA, you should take care to still have a healthy diet. BCAA powder is supplementary. They are not and should not be treated as primary sources of essential amino acids.
Muscle growth happens by resting and nourishing the muscles, and then exercising again. This cycle can take a while, but if your muscles can recover quickly, the more frequently you can repeat the cycle. BCAA helps your muscles recover, gives you extra energy for working out, and dampens your appetite. Whether you're trying to get a ripped body or are just trying to lose weight, BCAA helps.
You can check this resource for more information on using BCAA powder for your bodybuilding venture. You can also visit NutritionWarehouse.
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