When fitness is part of your lifestyle, you probably already know about the benefits of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs).
If you are sore after your workout, want to boost your muscle strength and size, or focus on weight loss, then BCAAs might be exactly what you need to meet your fitness goals.
The Basics of BCAAs
Amino acids are a vital part of your body’s makeup. They are the building blocks for forming proteins. In fact, the proteins in your body are constructed from 20 amino acids.
- 9 of these are essential amino acids and cannot be produced by the body.
- BCAAs are 3 of the essential amino acids, namely leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and are vital for maximizing your workouts.
Protein is essential to muscle tissue health. BCAAs supply your body with the nutrients it needs to support protein synthesis, a process that builds lean muscle mass, promotes muscle growth and repair, and reduces muscle soreness.
If you do not provide your body with the necessary amount of the proper amino acids, all of the reps in the world won’t give you the gains you desire.
5 Top Benefits of BCAAs
Anyone (not just fitness competitors) striving to lose weight or gain muscle while working out can benefit from supplementing with BCAAs.
Studies show that BCAAs have specific advantages for those of us who are (or want to become) active. It is useful for both intensive training and if you are just starting out in developing a healthy exercise routine.
Here’s how:
Increase Muscle Growth
Systematic scientific reviews on BCAAs consistently show these amino acids increase muscle mass and boost strength during training sessions. One study found that BCAAs improved both muscle mass and handgrip strength.
Reduce Soreness
Whether you work out regularly or have a new training routine, it is common to feel sore a day or two later. Science shows that supplementing with BCAAs may decrease muscle soreness by reducing damage in exercised muscles.
Decrease Muscle Breakdown
There is support for using BCAA supplementation to inhibit muscle protein breakdown, often referred to as “muscle wasting.” BCAAs may provide extra support for maintaining healthy muscles as we all age. In fact, using these essential amino acids is associated with a lower risk of developing low physical performance in older adults.
Promote Weight Loss
Multiple studies have shown a boost in fat burning when you supplement with amino acids. An increase in metabolizing fat will definitely lead to greater weight loss. Well-documented investigations showed that daily amino acid supplementation significantly decreased body fat percentage while increasing lean mass.
Decrease Fatigue
Published research reveals that supplementing with BCAAs significantly reduces fatigue. In addition, another study found that the participants who consumed high levels of mixed branched-chain amino acid supplements (including valine, leucine, and isoleucine) reported feeling less tired after exercise.
It is clear that BCAAs can benefit all of us, not just elite athletes.
Why Supplementing with BCAAs is Necessary
Since BCAAs cannot be produced naturally by the body, supplementation is necessary. The trio of BCAAs that help maintain muscle are the essential amino acids of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
- Leucine works to facilitate muscle growth and support recovery from exercise. There is also documentation that leucine enhances strength performance, even for those new to training and conditioning. It is a powerful driver of muscle building.
- Isoleucine promotes muscle recovery, reduces fatigue, and helps increase the amount of glucose taken into muscle cells.
- Valine is involved in muscle growth, tissue repair, and energy.
However, not all BCAA supplements are created equal. That’s where Xtend BCAA comes in!
Xtend BCAAs by Scivation
This top-selling Xtend BCAA formula features 7 grams of BCAAs in the research-proven 2:1:1 ratio to optimize your performance and maximize muscle mass and strength.
Xtend 7 gram BCAA offers exceptional support for fitness enthusiasts and competitors, including:
- increased muscle growth
- reduced discomfort and fatigue
- decreased muscle breakdown
- supported weight loss
Xtend BCAA also includes both glutamine and citrulline malate.
- Citrulline Malate enhances BCAA utilization rate to help promote strength, improve endurance, and optimize muscle recovery.
- Glutamine has multiple benefits, including supporting protein and muscle development, reducing fatigue, and advancing energy production.
Like almost all BCAA supplements, Xtend BCAA side effects are virtually unheard of when used as directed. Your body will just pass what it doesn’t use. However, some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach bloating due to overuse of these amino acids.
The Bottom Line
To gain muscle, promote recovery, and maintain muscle strength, include BCAA supplements daily. Adding the potent combination of ingredients in Xtend BCAA powder can help you develop the physique you desire. The benefits of Xtend Original BCAA are numerous:
- Designed with scientifically-proven levels of key nutrients
- Promotes new muscle construction
- Shortens recovery time
- Prolongs the intensity of your workouts
- Helps to facilitate fat loss and new muscle development
- Shown effective in two university studies
- Sugar-free and carb-free
- Available in 12 delicious flavors to appeal to every taste
- Powder delivery system for quick digestion
- Easily mixes with water or your favorite beverage
When you’re ready to invest in your physical well-being and include Xtend BCAAs or any supplement into your daily routine, Black Diamond Supplements (BDS) should be your first stop.
At BDS, we offer all the support and guidance you’ll need in fitness, health, and wellness. Additionally, we have been one of the most trusted names in the supplement industry for over a decade. Our goal at BDS is to provide our customers with the most convenient way to save both time and money through a great online shopping experience. We go out of our way to do things right the first time and every time.