What are BCAAs?

Susan Hoff
November 4, 2020

Learn more about this powdered supplement that encourages and expedites fitness goals.

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You may see some gym folk sipping on a bright-colored beverage before, during, or after their workout. Most likely, these people have bought BCAA supplements to encourage or expedite their fitness goals. But what is this powdered supplement and should you purchase it to further your goals?

What Do They Do?

BCAAs stand for branched chain amino acids, which are essential amino acids for your body. These amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. “Essential” means that your body will not produce them on its own and requires you to consume enough. Your muscles house these three amino acids and use them for energy consumption and muscle building. 


BCAAs can help combat physical and mental after-exercise fatigue, giving you a boost of energy to finish your workout or get through your day. They can also help promote lean muscle mass, as this supplement has been known to reduce soreness and activate the muscle building enzymes in your body. Some people also take them to curb or regulate their blood sugar levels. The BCAAs push your bloodstream to provide your body with enough sugar rather than taxing your muscle or liver sugar stores and depleting them of nutrients.

How Much Do You Need?

You can find BCAAs in the foods you eat. You most likely eat enough for your muscle building needs, however, if you workout heavily or do not eat a protein-rich diet, you may want to consider supplementing with some BCAAs. 


Before purchasing a BCAA supplement, think through your diet. A typical woman requires about 9 grams of BCAAs per day. If you think you need help achieving this goal, a BCAA supplement can be just the thing to help you achieve maximum protein points. 


Most people take this supplement right before or after a workout. But some prefer to drink it first thing in the morning to give their muscles a boost or right before bed to help promote muscle growth while they sleep. You can play around with the timing at first to find the best rhythm for you.

Oath & Grind By Susan Hoff
Run fast, spin hard, lift heavy, work out like crazy. Whatever you do, Oath & Grind is the destination for all things fitness, nutrition, and life.
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