What is Amino Acids?
Simply put, amino acids are the building blocks that make the thousands of proteins that the human body requires to function every day. Each protein represents a specific sequence and structure of different amino acids and has a specific job in the body. Some of the known benefits of amino acids include: • Grow and repair tissue • Make hormones and neurotransmitters • Provide an energy source • Maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails • Build muscle • Support immune function • Sustain a normal and functional digestive system
Twenty amino acids in all, including essential, non-essential, and conditionally essential amino acids, are utilized by the human body. We'll save the explanation of non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids for another article because the EAAs and BCAAs are the focus of this article. Essential Amino Acids (EAA) The human body needs 20 kinds of amino acids to function, as mentioned above. Among these, nine are Essential Amino Acids (EAA), which your body cannot make. So you have to rely on food sources (or, in some cases, supplements) to meet your body's EAA needs. And taking concentrated doses of EAA (in supplement form) have many health benefits: 1. Decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety 2. Increasing positive mood 3. Improving exercise performance and recovery 4. Improving wound healing and recovery post-surgery 5. Reducing postoperative complications and infections Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) is a subcategory of EAA having a branched chemical structure. The proven benefits of BCAA include: • Reducing exercise fatigue • Decreasing muscle soreness • Preventing muscle wasting • Increasing muscle growth
Of the nine EAAs, three have an aliphatic side-chain with a branch, and the three BCAAs are: Leucine Leucine plays a critical role in protein synthesis and muscle recovery. It also helps produce growth hormones, stimulates wound healing, and regulates blood sugar levels. Isoleucine Isoleucine is heavily concentrated in the muscle tissue and plays a critical role in muscle metabolism. Additionally, it plays a critical role in energy regulation, immune function, and hemoglobin production. Valine Similar to Leucine, valine also helps stimulate muscle regeneration and growth. It also plays a key role in energy production for the body. EAA vs. BCAA: What is the Difference? As highlighted above, BCAA is a subcategory of EAA, with the chemical structure of the amino acids differentiating the two. Simply put, all BCAA are EAA, but not all EAA are BCAA. However, another main factor differentiating the two is their functionality in the human body. The nine different EAAs perform a range of functions in the body, including regulating the digestive system, maintaining healthy energy levels, supporting healthy moods, stimulating muscle growth, regenerating and repairing tissue, and helping healthy hair, nails, and skin growth. And, thus, has a positive impact on overall health and well-being. However, the smaller sub-section of BCAA has functionality that primarily focuses on functions impacting athletic performance. With beneficial functionalities like reducing workout fatigue and muscle soreness, preventing muscle breakdown, promoting muscle growth, and helping the quick post-workout recovery, BCAAs are primarily useful for individuals trying to gain muscle mass, increase strength or improve athletic performance. Are EAAs Better than BCAAs? EAA and BCAA have different benefits. So, is one better than the other? The answer is no. EAA and BCAA have different impacts on the body, and you need to choose the one that meets your personal needs. What are your health concerns? Are you looking for a product that promotes immune function? What about a supplement that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails? Then opt for EAA supplements. Do you want to gain muscle mass, increase strength and improve athletic performance? Then opt for BCAA supplements. Can EAA and BCAA Work Together? Absolutely! EAA and BCAA supplements together can boost mood and energy levels while boosting protein synthesis for optimal results. In fact, higher levels of BCAA can also increase the effectiveness of EAA supplements. But remember, if you’re taking EAA, you’re already getting BCAA. Benefits of EAA and BCAA Some of the main benefits of EAA and BCAA supplements that you can leverage as a brand: Weight Management Boosting metabolism is one of the critical factors in weight management. Incorporating EAA and BCAA supplements into the regular diet can help increase muscle protein turnover and build lean muscles. This can boost the basal metabolic rate and influence diet-induced thermogenesis, helping to address your weight management goals. Muscle Building Building muscle is impossible without muscle protein synthesis. And EAA supplements are proven to have a positive impact on promoting muscle protein synthesis. This, combined with the role of BCAA in improving muscle growth and preventing muscle wasting, make amino acid supplements essential for muscle-building. Hydration Amino acids enhance water absorption and retention in the body. They can also help replace vital electrolytes lost during a sweaty workout. Moreover, the amino acids and hydration electrolyte drinks can skip the normal digestive process and become available in the muscle for energy regulation and muscle growth, repair, and recovery. Recovery Both EAA and BCAA help in recovery. EAAs are effective in postoperative recovery. And BCAAs have a well-documented role in reducing exercise fatigue and decreasing muscle soreness. Thus, taking amino acid supplements can aid in recovery. EAA and BCAA supplements are effective throughout the day. But for their full benefits and the best results, it is recommended to take them during or right after a workout session.
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