BCAAs - The What, Why and How

BCAAs refer to Branch Chain Amino Acids. They are 3: Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine.
These are the most important of the 9 essential amino acids to repair and build muscle (by
essential I mean, what the body does not synthesize on its own, rather it is derived from
food or supplementation).

When taken before and after your workouts, branch chains can provide your body with
fuel and help kick start protein synthesis in your muscle for faster recovery. Faster
recover means faster results. If you’re a hard training athlete, BCAAs may help enhance
sports performance, reduce muscle breakdown, and support weight loss. In addition to the
aforementioned, vegetarians or those with food allergies or food intolerances can benefit
from these aminos since getting protein can be difficult on a restricted diet.

There are several ways to get BCAAs in your diet: rye, meat, almonds, cashews, eggs,
fish, chicken, chickpeas, lentils and liver. They can also be found in various supplements
in powder, pill, capsule, liquid, and isotonic form. Each of these has advantages and
disadvantages. Of greatest concern is how the supplements you take are absorbed in the
body every time.

It has been researched and found that the best way to take any supplement is in an
isotonic form. Isotonic means same pressure and refers to the pressure that a liquid
remains at while in your body (e.g. tears, blood, etc). When taken in isotonic form, the
body will absorb up to 98% of supplements. We’ve also found the best source of BCAAs
is in the Isotonix Champion Blend found exclusively at www.shop.com/outofbounds.

Article written and contributed by Francis Williams, Master Practitioner of Energy Leadership Index and avid sports enthusiast. Francis is a member of the Gay Men's Basketball League in NYC and a supporter of Out of Bounds NYC. He lives in Putnam Valley and works throughout NYC and the Hudson Valley. Francis is committed to assisting OOBNYC.org in raising $20,000 for their trip to Gay Games 2014.