Do Women need it ?
There has been a shift in the way women approach their fitness. As interest in weight lifting increases, women are moving towards building muscle and strength. For many women, the goal is to build toned muscle and lose fat.
Supplementing with BCAA has become popular among men and women. BCAA are the building blocks of protein. The essential amino acids in BCAAs are valine, leucine and isoleucine, which are all hydrophobic amino acids.
Why should women use BCAAs?
BCAAs are essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein. During protein synthesis, the old muscle tissues repair whilst new muscle tissue is built. Protein synthesis must exceed the rate of protein breakdown for muscle maintenance and growth.
When your goal is to lose fat, you’ll follow a strict calorie-deficit, and in doing so you will expose your body to the catabolic effects of dieting, which can leave your body craving energy. When in need of energy, over time, your body turns to muscle protein tissue as a source of energy - meaning protein breakdown levels increase. When protein breakdown levels exceed protein synthesis levels, you lose muscle mass.
How to take BCAA?
BCAA supplements come in two forms – tablets and BCAA powder. The powder can be mixed with water or a cordial or sports drink during a workout.
BCAAs are metabolised mainly in skeletal muscle which means they bypass the liver
Dosage
BCAA supplements come in two forms – tablets and BCAA powder. They can be taken up to 3 times a day depending on the serving size and concentration (so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions). The powder can be mixed with water, a cordial or sports drink for use during a workout. Tablets are usually swallowed whole with water. BCAAs can also be taken before or post-workout provided that the recommended daily dose is not exceeded.
