Once you get into your 40s and 50s, your body begins to change in many ways, especially in women. Often brought on by menopause, the changes can include weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue and moodiness. While you can commit yourself to battle the changes with a healthier diet and increased activity, they can take a toll on your body. Very often, you’re not getting the right nutrition and that can make your symptoms worse. Supplementing your diet with branched chain amino acids (BCAA) can help.
What are BCAAs?
In simple terms, BCAAs are essential amino acids (the building blocks of all human tissue) with a “side-chain” of carbon atoms in their molecular make-up. As essential aminos, your body doesn’t produce BCAAs so you must get them from your diet. There are three basic branched chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are found in all complete protein sources, including whey protein.
Benefits of BCAAs
The main beneficial effect of BCAA supplementation is in preventing muscle damage and deterioration. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and strength. The amino acids that make up protein can help counteract that trend and promote muscle growth. And that’s the just the first benefit of branched-chain amino acid supplementation. Before we go any further, you should know that the side effects of BCAA supplements can include nausea, body pain and headaches.
- Can Fight Liver Disease – BCAAs are linked to improved health in people with liver cirrhosis and also helping to safeguard against liver cancer.
- Reduces Muscle Fatigue – BCAAs are the most common amino acids in your body and account for over one-third of muscle proteins. Their benefits for improving your muscle strength and endurance are many. First, it improves your exercise performance, which helps you maintain your fitness. The increased activity can also help you better manage your body weight.
- Can Reduce Insulin Resistance – Insulin resistance is the most common cause of type 2 diabetes. BCAAs are linked reduced insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.
Protein is a part of a healthy, balanced diet. Protein bottled drinks are a great way to get the extra protein you need.
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