BCAAs stands for Branched-Chain Amino Acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. You can say BCAAs are short for branched-chain amino acids.
Our body uses amino acids, building blocks of protein, for a wide variety of functions including tissue repair, growth and muscle development. Leucine, isoleucine and valine are the three branched-chain amino acids - or - BCAAs -- named for their branched molecular structure.
Our body needs BCAAs to function properly but is unable to produce its own BCAAs, so they are normally taken through food.
However, not all foods contain high-qualities of BCAAs. So people usually supplement with BCAAs to get enough into their systems.
BCAAs Benefits :
University of North Carolina researchers conducted a population-based study to examine the relationship between BCAA intake and the risk of being overweight and obese. The study, published in the February 2011 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition", included men and women from the USA, China, Japan and the UK. The study found that a diet high in BCAAs is associated with a decreased risk of becoming overweight or obese.
BCAAs are normally considered a pre-workout supplement. Many people take them pre-workout to boost their endurance to reduce muscle soreness and to improve their athletic performance.
Of late, many women are taking them to accelerate fat loss.
Therefore, studies have proven BCAAs can actually help both men and women to lose weight rapidly.
Top Foods Which Are Rich In BCAAs :
1 . Eggs
Eggs are important source of BCAAs. Both egg whites and whole eggs can supply body good amounts of BCAAs. Compared to whole eggs, egg whites have lower grams of BCAAs. However, they have fewer calories and are therefore perfect for people on low-calorie diets. Whole eggs on the other hand, have plenty of proteins, fats and more BCAAs. They are perfect for those looking to gain muscle.
Depending on your needs, you can either take whole eggs or white eggs to reach your daily BCAAs requirements.
2. Beef
Beef is great source of protein, amino acids and BCAAs. Those who regularly consume beef rarely have a legitimate need to supplement with protein supplements.
Ground beef is perfect for making burgers. It is also prefect for making vegetable saute. It is a very good source of BCAAs since it delivers more than 6 grams of BCAAs from just 170 grams of ground beef.
Flank steak is just special beef. It is cut from the cow's stomach region and is often extremely tasty. Steak can be prepared in so many ways and is a good source of protein.
3. Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts are the tastiest and most loved sources of BCAAs. They have very low fat and deliver some impressive quantities of proteins.
4. Fish
Fishes are one of the superb sources of BCAAs.
BCAAs may be found in :
* Milk
* Seeds and Nuts
* Beans, peas and lentils
* Whole Wheat
* Cashew Nuts
* Pumpkin Seeds
* Chick peas
* Almonds
* Soy proteins