Health issues and health requirements differ for both Men and Women. Which is why we need different measures for those needs. The fitness goals and the dietary needs are some of the main differences we are discussing in this article. For many people, usually women, it is hard to know which branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement is to be used. Whether you're a fitness freak or someone who hasn't even stepped into a gym at all, women from all walks of life can benefit from BCAA supplements. Right from improving your ability to weight loss to managing your mental health status, the benefits of BCAAs for women extend far beyond just building muscle mass strength. Though there are various options out there, they're not all created equally considering women's bodies or health needs.
What are BCAAs?
Branched Chain Amino Acids or BCAAs are three of the Nine essential amino acids the human body cannot synthesize on its own, which means, you need to take it additionally, either through your diet or, considering the rising demand, through supplementary products. Every amino acid contains Amine and Carboxyl groups. With a side chain R group attached uniquely to every amino acid, assigning them their identity. BCAAs are unique because of their aliphatic side chain with a branch (a central carbon atom bound to three or more carbon atoms). These amino acids are grouped as they are the only three amino acids to have a chain that branches off to one side. Among the proteinogenic amino acids, there are three BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Non-proteinogenic BCAAs include 2-aminoisobutyric acid. Though they are a part of Essential amino acids, they are grouped as Branched-chain amino acids because of their chemical branched-chain structure. Synthesis for BCAAs occurs in all of the plants, within the plastids of the cell, as determined by the presence of mRNAs which encode for enzymes in the metabolic pathway.
Leucine
Leucine is the BCAA that is used in the protein's synthesis. Leucine as an α-amino acid, contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain isobutyl group, making it a non-polar aliphatic amino acid. Additionally, similar to other amino acids, the carbon skeleton of leucine can be used to generate ATP. However, leucine can also regulate several cellular processes such as protein synthesis, tissue regeneration, and metabolism.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine is the BCAA that is also used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a hydrocarbon side chain with a branch. It is classified as a non-polar, uncharged, branched-chain, aliphatic amino acid. Isoleucine is known for its ability to help endurance and assist in the repair and rebuilding of muscle protein.
Valine
Valine is a BCAA that is also used in the biosynthesis of muscle proteins. It contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain isopropyl group, making it a non-polar aliphatic amino acid. It promotes muscle mass growth and tissue repair. It is a precursor in the penicillin biosynthetic pathway. Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (the others are leucine and isoleucine) that enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in muscle tissue recovery and repair.
Benefits of BCAA In General
- Branched-chain amino acid fill several metabolic and physiological roles. Metabolically, BCAAs promote protein synthesis and turnover, signal pathways, and metabolize glucose.
- Oxidation of BCAAs may increase fatty acid oxidation and play a role in obesity. Physiologically, BCAAs help build your immune system and activate brain function.
- BCAAs have a role in protein synthesis, synthesis of neurotransmitters, and production of energy.
- BCAA supplements are commonly taken in order to boost muscle protein growth and enhance exercise performance. They also help with weight loss and reduce fatigue after exercise.
Women Health Issues
Women constitute around 50% of the population, yet we don't find women's health issues or health needs being discussed any seriously. There exist misperceptions and huge confusion when it comes to BCAAs for women. Hundreds of doubts like Will BCAAs turn women into a she-Hulk? Will they affect health adversely? Can they be used during menstruation? Will they affect pregnancies? And so many more. So, let's check out how BCAAs may benefit you as a woman and simultaneously also clarify some long-awaited doubts.
How Does BCAAS Benefit Women?
Anybody can benefit by using BCAAs. Although, they have some specific benefits for women. Let's check out a few of the primary reasons why women need to prioritize BCAAs in their supplement stack.
They Do Not Turn You into A She-Hulk
Whilst both men and women are capable of building muscle mass, men have a much greater potential of getting much bigger, due to the large amount of anabolic, that is muscle-building testosterone they produce, compared to women. If consumed in a moderate portion, they give you the needed posture.
Help in Reducing Your Appetite
Adding BCAAs to your supplement daily intake, helps you reduce your appetite. Primarily, a flavored health drink can help you restrain hunger. Prominently, the Leucine found in BCAA products is beneficial for women. Leucine activates the enzyme in your body known as mTOR. mTOR modulates cell growth and plays vitally in the muscle protein synthesis. As the mTOR levels increase, your brain receives signals that the body's nutrition needs are met, helping you reduce your appetite and control hunger.
Increase Your Metabolism
You may be looking forward to burning body fat or improving your body nutrition, so BCAA supplements are your solution. BCAAs help in preventing muscle mass breakdown, making it easier for you to maintain and build muscle mass. This, in turn, helps you boost your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories.
Improve Your Muscle Building Ability
While supporting protein synthesis they also help you recover faster from your workouts. They keep you energized during your workouts, allowing you to exert extra effort and exercise in a better way, further resulting in a better posture.
Mitigate Hormonal Imbalance
Your menstrual cycle elevates your hormones, causing PMS. During this high hormone phase, the increased estrogen and progesterone negatively impact your muscle growth; especially if their levels are outside a healthy range. An increase in Progesterone can indirectly contribute to a break of muscle tissue. Hence, BCAAs are essential to ensure recovery and continue your gains. In addition, leucine can cross the blood-brain barrier easily. The high hormone phase significantly impacts your central nervous system. Which is why some of you experience fatigue, mood swings, and low energy. This all happens due to the bulging hormones and their effect on the nervous system. Since leucine crosses the BBB, it can impact some of the neurotransmitters and reduce central nervous system fatigue.
Healthier Pregnancies
BCAAs may help women have healthier pregnancies. A pregnant woman needs adequate levels of amino acids and BCAAs to provide adequate nutrition to the fetus Amino acids are vital in building the fetus's organs, skin, and other body tissues. With daily BCAAs intake during pregnancy, you can ensure better nourishment. But, again, you need to consult your doctor, before any such consumption, as every woman reacts differently with such extra nutritional BCAA supplements.
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