The labels of many protein products make a point of highlighting the amount of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) each serving provides. The BCAAs are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine, essential amino acids that can be absorbed directly into muscle tissue. A study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition details leucine’s importance to mTOR pathway activation, which controls protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.

True Strength Moment: These scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch found a direct link between leucine administration and mTOR activation. So when you see that a protein contains 5.5 grams or8.8 grams of BCAAs, you’re doing your part to help muscles rebuild bigger and stronger from the breakdown of training. Especially if that protein is a fast-acting whey and consumed within 30 minutes of completing your workout.