Branched Chain Amino Acids and Weight Loss!

Anyone who is familiar with my writings knows that I am a big fan of creatine for gains in lean muscle mass as well as for fat loss. It has come to my attention over the years however that not everyone can take creatine. Most people that I have met have no problem with it, but there is a large amount of people who experience some negative side effects from even what is considered to be the most "safe" forms of creatine. Some of these side effects include bloating, stomach discomfort, and muscle cramping.

I wondered if there was a better way. "There had to be a supplement that could give creatine-like results without the side effects," I thought. And so, I did some investigating. And what I discovered was amazing! For those of you who don't know, what creatine actually does, is pull water that you drink into your muscle cells, causing the muscle cells to expand, therefore creatine stronger, larger muscles.

The "creatine replacement" if you will, that I discovered has actually been around for years and should be a part of EVERYONE'S supplement routine. The supplement that I am referring to is known as Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs for short). As you know, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. In other words, protein is the culmination of amino acids. Well, branched chain amino acids are the three amino acids that the body cannot manufacture and can therefore only receive from foods that contain them or from a branched chain amino acid supplement. These amino acids are L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine.



So how do branched chain amino acids work?

Well, in order to gain lean muscle, your body needs to convert dietary protein from food and supplements into muscle. This process is known as "protein synthesis." Branched chain amino acids help to cause this process and act as a "deliver system" for the protein that you eat. You see, you can eat protein all day long, but a lot of it will be excreted out if you have a BCAA deficiency. Therefore, it is essential to consume branched chain amino acids, especially post workout along with your protein shake.

Also, it is important to note that in order for your branched chain amino acid supplement to work, the supplement will have to have a particular ratio in which the specific BCAAs are arranged. This ratio is 2-1-1. This means that the supplement will have to have two parts L-Leucine, one part L-Isoleucine, and one part L-Valine. For example, if there is 3 grams of leucine, then there will have to be 1.5 grams of isoleucine and 1.5 grams of valine.

The BCAA supplement that I use is called "BCAA Blast." It comes in watermelon or blue raspberry flavor. I have the watermelon flavor. It's sugar-free, calorie-free, and tastes great! It also includes 3 grams of L-Glutamine as well for muscle recovery. There are 30 scoops in the small container and a serving size is one-two scoops post-workout along with your protein shake. It's also pretty cheap compared to most BCAA supplements. I got mine for $29.99 at a local Vitamin Shoppe.

How do BCAAs help to burn fat?

Well, since branched chain amino acids help to synthesize protein into muscle, this means that your muscles will grow larger. Larger muscles burn stored calories as fuel to help maintain your new muscle size. This is how BCAAs help to burn body fat. This supplement is safe for anyone to take, so if you are not taking a BCAA supplement, I'd recommend that you do so.

Yours in health,

James Hallmark

Certified Fitness Trainer

http://www.eatjunkfoodandloseweight.com