If you lift weights on a regular basis, you’ve probably heard of BCAAs which is an acronym for Branched Chain Amino Acids. BCAAs are essential amino acids because the body can’t make them. They can only be taking in through diet. There are three amino acids in this group: Leucine, isoleucine and valine.

What’s so special about Branched Chain Amino Acids? They are considered anti-catabolic, meaning they help prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue. This benefit can be used to your advantage when performing morning cardio on an empty stomach. BCAAs can help ‘spare’ muscle tissue from being broken down to fuel exercise in the absence of the body’s preferred fuel source carbohydrates.

You can also use BCAA supplements after training because leucine is one of the primary triggers of the process known as protein synthesis, which plays a major role in rebuilding muscle tissue from the breakdown of training.

You don’t have to look very far past your gym’s cooler for find an excellent source of Branched Chain Amino Acids. Whey protein is a favorite with all kinds of athletes not just because it’s a rapidly digested protein source, but also because whey is an excellent source of BCAAs.