One of the most popular products in the supplement industry today is BCAAs or Branch Chain Amino Acids. We understand why this is the case but for some reason the bigger spectrum of amino acids EAAs or Essential Amino Acids, are not talked about or pushed as a product nearly to the extent BCAAs are. But what’s the difference, who should take them, how do they help, and so on? So let’s take a quick closer look and help point you in the right direction for your needs!
The difference
EAA- essential amino acids
BCAA- branched chain amino acids
What are amino acids?
We’re sure you all have read somewhere before- aminos are the building blocks of protein. Most only tie aminos to muscle gains and protein synthesis. But wait there's more- they are required to function as a human being- including but not limited to: physiological functions, metabolism, cognitive ability, etc
Of the 20 aminos- 9 are essential.
1- Leucine- critical for growth hormone production and protein synthesis
2- Threonine- supports immune system and fat metabolism
3- Lysine supports muscle repair and recovery by playing a role in growth hormone secretion
4- Isoleucine- helps prevent muscle breakdown during lifting and cardio
5- Valine- heavily involved in energy production
6- Phenylalanine- helps promote a healthy nervous system
7-Methionine- aids in the body's ability to process and eliminate fat
8- Tryptophan- not just in turkey! It's a precursor for serotonin which regulates mood, appetite, and sleep
9- Histidine- aids in fighting off cell-damaging free radicals
EAAs can be take any time during the day
Many, many clients of ours have seen amazing results with supplementing with BCAAs- the EAAs are just a way to better enhance the product and ultimately- give you better results!
BCAAs are essential for human health and serve as a great source of fuel for workouts and recovery. You need adequate amounts of EAAs to optimize your overall heal and complete protein synthesis
Some people don't need to supplement with either! That's the beauty of supplements- you may be getting enough already through your diet. Foods high in EAAs:
- Lysine is in meat, eggs, black beans, seeds
- Histidine can be found in meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds
- Threonine is found in cottage cheese and wheat germ
- Eggs, grains, nuts, and seeds contain methionine
- Valine is in cheese, soy, peanuts, vegetables, whole grains
- Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, lentils
- Dairy, beans, legumes are great sources of leucine
- Dairy, meat, poultry, soy, fish, beans, and nuts contain phenylalanine
- Tryptophan is in high protein foods such as wheat germ, cottage cheese, turkey, and chicken