Health Benefits Of Branched-Chain Amino Acids And Where They Can Be Found

Decreases Muscle Soreness

One of the annoying consequences of working out is the muscle soreness that typically occurs afterward. Sometimes the amount of soreness can be so difficult to bear that it keeps individuals from working out again the next day. Thankfully, branched-chain amino acids have been found to have a unique ability to decrease muscle soreness. This is largely believed because they lower the blood levels of certain enzymes called creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. These two enzymes basically damage the muscles so they can be rebuilt into larger forms. However, they also tend to perform more damage than necessary. By reducing the amount of blood delivered to those enzymes, BCAAs can essentially limit their productivity. In so doing, individuals are left with reduced muscle soreness. This allows them to recover a lot faster, so they can continue their workout the next day without feeling too strained or uncomfortable.

Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Although further research still needs to be conducted, in some studies, the regular inclusion of branched-chain amino acids was shown to actually improve insulin sensitivity. This is because two of the essential amino acids, leucine and isoleucine, help increase the secretion of insulin. They also impact the muscles in making them take in additional sugar from the blood. As a result, this decreases blood sugar. In a time where diabetes is running rampant and more and more individuals have to monitor their blood sugar, including BCAAs in one's diet may be a way to stave off diabetes or help alleviate some of the problems. It should be noticed as well that branched-chain amino acids can have different impacts on the body based on the kind of diet they are added to. So, if individuals want to improve their insulin sensitivity, they should add BCAAs to a diet already geared towards reducing blood sugar.