| Much is said about amino acids as part of | | | | Another important group of Amino acids are |
| good bodybuilding supplementation but few | | | | called Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) |
| people know exactly what an amino acid is or | | | | which are considered the most important of |
| what its role is in the health and growth of | | | | all. The BCAA's are Leucine, Isoleucine and |
| muscle to a body. This article will aim to | | | | Valine. The main way they vary from the other |
| look at some of the important aspects of | | | | 19 amino acids is that they are primarily |
| amino acids and help you to understand how | | | | metabolized in skeletal muscle rather than |
| vital they can be in gaining an advantage at | | | | other tissues of the body. They serve many |
| the gym. | | | | functions for skeletal muscles including the |
| | | | enhancing muscular cell energy production, |
| In simple terms an amino acid is the building | | | | enhancing protein synthesis, stimulating |
| block of protein. When we consume protein it | | | | metabolic signals, and being a precursor for |
| is synthesized or broken down into various | | | | the formation of other amino acids. |
| amino acids then put together again to form | | | | |
| new proteins that make up most solid parts of | | | | It is through the study of amino acids that |
| our body, skin, eyes, hair, and especially | | | | scientists are beginning to develop a new |
| muscle. | | | | kind of supplement for bodybuilders. With the |
| | | | knowledge of the workings of amino acids at a |
| There are 22 different amino acids in total. | | | | cellular level, they are learning how to |
| 8 of these are considered essential to our | | | | manipulate them for the purpose of great |
| bodies and 14 are considered non essential. | | | | effects on the human body. Some examples of |
| While the essential of the 22 are mainly | | | | this are the new amino acid combinations seen |
| supplied to us adequately through a balanced | | | | in a muscle building stack of three |
| healthy diet, a select few of the non | | | | supplements Leukic, Gakic and Creakic offered |
| essential ones have been shown to be most | | | | by company Muscletech. These supplements are |
| significant for bodybuilders. However an | | | | unlike the average protein or creatine |
| important point to note is that ultimately is | | | | supplement in that they actually effect |
| a healthy protein balance that paves the way | | | | cellular processes and provide near instant |
| for increased muscle growth and that in fact | | | | effects to the body's chemistry. In this way |
| without it, any amino acid can become toxic | | | | they are able to give instant increases of |
| in its own right. Amino acids are a | | | | performance, recovery and fatigue resistance |
| supplement, an addition to an already strong | | | | and are proving to be a force to be reckoned |
| diet. | | | | with in the bodybuilding community. |
| | | | |
| Some of the essential amino acids include, | | | | As you can see, correct amino acid |
| Lysine, Phenylalanine, Histidine and | | | | supplementation does play an important role |
| Methionine and serve many functions from | | | | in the diet of an athlete. Moreover, if you |
| improving digestion to enhancing, stimulating | | | | are neglecting your amino acid intakes and |
| hormone release to assisting in the breakdown | | | | are competing whether it be with your friends |
| of fats to the improvement of memory and many | | | | or in real competition, you are surely at a |
| more. | | | | disadvantage. |
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