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The Beauty of BCAAs

How do you defend against this three-headed monster of muscle loss? Attack all three heads!

It's well established that branched-chain amino acids (particularly leucine) stimulate protein synthesis, and might do so to a greater extent than a normal protein on its own. BCAAs also increase synthesis of the cellular machinery responsible for carrying out the process of protein synthesis. Thus, BCAAs not only increase the rate of protein synthesis, but they also increase the cell's capacity for protein synthesis! Yep, you read that right.

BCAAs also work in your favor by reducing the rate of protein breakdown. They do this (primarily) by decreasing the activity of the components of the protein breakdown pathway, and also by decreasing the expression of several complexes involved in protein breakdown. (In this case, they decrease the amount of mRNA produced from the gene that codes for these components.)

If we revisit our original equation for muscle mass, it's plain to see that increasing synthesis and decreasing breakdown will equate to muscle gain/maintenance. And that, my friends, is how we fight the Cerberus of muscle loss.

Even More Beautiful

BCAAs have even more positive benefits than reduced breakdown and increased protein synthesis. They might also help improve workout intensity! BCAAs compete with the amino acid tryptophan for entry into the brain, where tryptophan can be converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin.

During exercise, serotonin levels rise and can (among other things) increase the perception of fatigue—that means a less intense workout for you.

BCAA supplementation reduces the amount of tryptophan that enters the brain, and therefore reduces the amount of serotonin produced. This might allow you to work harder, longer.

Written by Layne Norton, PhD

Full Article  https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bcaas-the-many-benefits-of-amino-acids.html
(ZOL Nutrition has no association with Layne Norton, nor do we make any claims to. This article is solely for information purposes.)

BCAAs should also be used as a supplement during any fat loss plan because of the muscle preserving effects. On any calorie restricted plan muscle tissue loss is a serious concern that must be addressed. All of the positive effects that BCAAs have on muscle growth will also serve to protect muscle during periods of calorie restriction. It is always important to remember that anything which builds muscle will also preserve muscle.

 Electrolytes -- sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate -- carry electrical charges that are responsible for stimulating muscles and nerves. They also regulate the amount of fluids throughout your body, which affects cellular function, blood volume and blood pressure. Sodium plays the primary role in water regulation, but they all help keep body fluids balanced. Your body maintains a specific amount of each electrolyte because a precise proportion of each one is needed for all of them to work properly.