If you are getting serious about your workout regimen, and about getting into the best shape you can, the use of supplements will most likely be on your list. Among the most effective and beneficial supplements are BCAAs and EAAs.
However, when it comes to choosing which ones to use, many people find themselves at a crossroads. Namely, the BCAA vs EAA dilemma is quite frequent and tends to raise many questions.
So, before you opt for one to use as a supplement, it is essential to get to know all the features. In other words, familiarizing yourself with both pros and cons of BCAA and EAA will give you a clear idea of what you need. I have dug a bit deeper to present you with everything you need to know about these supplements and how they can help you.
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BCAAs and EAAs - What are they, and how do they work?
To entirely understand the role of amino acids, we need to start from the beginning. When you try to maintain muscle mass, protein intake is crucial. It is a well-known fact, probably already familiar to you. But, what you may not know is that 20 amino acids found in protein make sure this happens. To put it another way, amino acids are building blocks forming new cells and tissue.
Of these 20 amino acids, nine form the essential amino acids, or EAA. However, they are not created by the body itself. On the contrary, you need to consume them with food so your body will receive them. EAAs refer to leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, isoleucine, histidine, valine, tryptophan, threonine, and methionine.
Most people, even those who do not work out, should have a daily dose of EAAs. This means that daily intake of fish, meat, eggs, and dairy is essential to diets. On the other hand, EAA supplements are also available, especially for athletes who try to maintain weight and muscle mass.
Nowadays, many experts recommend the use of EAA instead of BCAA. BCAAs, or branched-chained amino acids, contain only three essential amino acids - valine, leucine, and isoleucine. While they include EAAs, their chemical structure differs and allows acids to be broken down in the muscle tissue rather than the liver.
Nonetheless, they have become popular because they are broken down in our muscles. Therefore, bodybuilders and other athletes use them to remodel their muscles after exercise.
Due to these similar features, the BCAA vs EAA dilemma is now quite common. Knowing the benefits of both will help you determine what is suitable for your preferences. Establishing your end goal, along with the EAA and BCAA benefits, will help you make the right choice.
Benefits of EAA
We have mentioned above the nine essential amino acids and their role in the body. However, when it comes to using an EAA supplement, you need to know how it can benefit your body.
1. EAAs contribute to muscle growth and repair
EAAs stimulate protein synthesis and contribute to muscle growth and repair. Moreover, they reduce the breakdown of muscles, which is crucial when it comes to maintaining muscle mass.
2. EAAs provide better absorption of dietary protein
When you use an essential amino acid supplement, you ensure that your body receives enough protein. These kinds of supplements are quite beneficial for people who follow plant-based diets. Since plants have a different EAA profile than animal protein, EAAs can ensure a healthy diet balance.
Benefits of BCAA
Although branched-chained amino acids do not contain all the essential acids, they can be quite helpful. Namely, there are numerous benefits of these supplements, hence the reason why athletes use them.
1. Faster Muscle Recovery
One of the best BCAA benefits is that this supplement ensures fast muscle recovery. It is perfect for those who tend to do intense workouts. Plus, it reduces muscle soreness and inflammation, leading to less discomfort after exercising.
2. Muscle Repair
Similarly, to EAAs, one of the BCAA benefits is that they ensure quick muscle repair. They play a big part in d repairing and remodelling muscle tissue. Moreover, they include leucine, known for its muscle anabolic signalling features.
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BCAA vs EAA - What are the differences?
When you make the BCAA vs EAA comparison, you see that most of their features are quite similar. For that reason, it is not a surprise that many people cannot decide what to use. Still, there are still some differences that can make you see what makes these supplements unique.
BCAAs are popular among bodybuilders due to their role in muscle metabolism. They contain 3 of the 9 essential amino acids and work when one’s fitness goal is to improve performance and recovery.
On the other hand, EAAs have six additional amino acids, which are an important part of a balanced lifestyle. EAAs are crucial for various physiological processes, including muscle protein synthesis. When it comes to muscle function, EAAs collectively contribute to muscle protein synthesis, but leucine within the BCAAs is particularly important due to its role in activating the signaling pathways that initiate this process.
The specific arrangement and sequence of amino acids in our muscles is what contributes to their function when we exercise and recover. Our muscles are also made up of EAAs which highlight the key role of consuming a full blend of amino acids to support our muscles.
Are BCAAs better than EAAs?
According to researchers, consuming all 9 EAAs rather than the 3 BCAAs is better. This is because researchers believe that all 9 EAA building blocks are required to repair and remodel a muscle that is made up of EAAs and not just BCAAs.
You can imagine that amino acids are bricks. These building blocks come together to reliably build a muscle protein. Since both BCAA and EAA contribute to muscle remodeling and recovery, researchers believe that a full supply of EAAs can support a more anabolic environment during the post-exercise recovery period.
Is the use of supplements necessary?
If you have specific fitness goals and you want better results in a certain period, you might consider using supplements.
Moreover, ensuring that your body receives the right amount of protein will provide a good balance in your overall healthy lifestyle.
People who lead busy lives and have obstacles can benefit greatly from supplements when it comes to maintaining healthy diets. This also refers to vegans and vegetarians who cannot always consume the necessary amount of protein.
In short, an EAA or BCAA supplement can make a difference in your life and healthy routine. No one says that the use of a supplement is a must, but it is highly recommended. Your routines can take a different turn, and you will be impressed by the results.
The takeaway
Once you look into the BCAA vs EAA comparison, you will probably have a clearer image of necessary supplements. Depending on your goals, you should be able to make the right decision between the two. However, you should also know that you have more options and should always explore everything at your disposal.
It is up to you to decide whether you need BCAA or EAA, or even both. To ensure the best outcomes for yourself, you need to see what best works for your body.
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