Please explain branched-chain amino acids professionally. I exercise in the gym. I've always heard of branched-chain amino acids. What's the role? Should I eat?

A: Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) include leucine, isoleucine and valine. Branched-chain amino acids are essential amino acids for human body. Without these amino acids in the diet, human beings can't survive. For bodybuilders, BCAAs is particularly important, which mainly embodies four functions:

Synthetic muscle:

BCAAs is not only the largest component of muscle amino acids, but also the only metabolic amino acid in muscle.

Provide energy:

Branched-chain amino acids are the main amino acids for human muscle energy supply. Its oxidative energy supply accounts for about 60% of the total energy supply of amino acids, and even at rest, the oxidative energy supply of branched-chain amino acids in muscle reaches 14%. Especially in long-term exercise, it can directly provide energy for the muscles in training.

Grow muscles:

Supplementing BCAAs during training can stimulate the release of growth hormone, increase insulin level and promote muscle synthesis. Leucine, in particular, is the predecessor of KIC and HMB. KIC and HMB can increase muscle and reduce fat, which is of great benefit to bodybuilders.

Protect muscles:

During exercise, supplementing enough BCAAs can promote the synthesis of protein in the recovery period after exercise, reduce the decomposition of muscle tissue and help to protect muscles.

Therefore, branched-chain amino acids are more effective and fundamental sports nutritional supplements for muscle growth.