BCAA Branched Chain Amino Acids: Background
The Branched Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs, include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three aminos play an important role in the muscle-building and fat-burning processes. Ingesting BCAAs will stimulate your body to undergo a number of different internal processes that are beneficial to those looking to cut fat while preserving muscle. They are a popular supplement among competitive bodybuilders, athletes, and even elderly individuals looking for that extra edge over Father Time.
BCAA Branched Chain Amino Acids: Cutting Benefits
So how exactly do BCAAs help to cut fat while preserving muscle? Well, the answer lies in the muscle equation. The muscle equation simply refers to the protein synthesis process in your body, and its relationship to the process of protein breakdown. If the level of protein synthesis is always higher than the level of protein breakdown, then no muscle is lost. Ingesting BCAAs promotes protein synthesis while reducing protein breakdown - the perfect combination for cutting!
A side benefit to BCAA ingestion is its ability to reduce the appetite. A study in 2006 demonstrated the ability of BCAA supplementation to affect the mTOR pathway. Signals were sent to two regions of the brain. The signals decrease food intake and increase metabolism, two very good traits in a cutting supplement. One of the biggest challenges with caloric restriction is trying to ignore your former appetite, and BCAAs will help.
BCAA Branched Chain Amino Acids: Dosage
BCAAs should be dosed in a 2:1:1 ratio. The amount of leucine should always be double the amount of isoleucine and double the amount of valine. Most of the popular BCAA supplements use this ratio for a reason. Studies have shown the effects of the BCAAs are maximized at this ratio. Usually there is about 3.5g of leucine, 1.75g of isoleucine, and 1.75g of valine per dose.
The BCAA drink should be consumed at least twice per day while cutting. Take the BCAAs first thing in the morning to immediately kickstart your metabolism and start the protein synthesis process. Take another dose just prior to your workout to keep synthesis going and promote muscular repair and recovery. If budget allows, it would also be helpful to consume additional BCAA drinks between meals in order to keep your appetite in check and always keep a positive protein balance.
Conclusion
BCAA supplements provide a range of benefits for anyone who wants to lose fat and get lean. Appetite suppression, increased protein synthesis, decreased protein breakdown and increased recovery are just a few of the highly beneficial traits. Results are amazing when combined with a natural multivitamin, glutamine, creatine, yohimbine, a good cutting diet, and cutting routine.