Energy is vital for everyone, especially when you exercise regularly. Sometimes, when you just begin exercising, you already start feeling exhausted, and your attempts at achieving your fitness goals don’t pan out. So, if you want a sufficient amount of energy, you must start consuming supplements. They will certainly help in maintaining and achieving optimal health goals. As a result, you will feel not only good on the inside but also look great on the outside. Although many ponder whether they should consume BCAA powder or collagen, read this article further to know if both supplements can benefit you.
What are BCAA and their benefits?
BCAA or branched-chain amino acids are vital amino acids that make up more than a third of the protein in the muscle tissue. Leucine, valine, and isoleucine are the branched-chain amino acids. After entering into the bloodstream, they allow the muscles to utilise them. According to studies, they can give you an energy boost and endurance power during workouts. Furthermore, they support the recovery of the body after strenuous exercise. Several foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products contain BCAAs. But consuming them is not enough, and that’s what makes the supplements popular. Read on to know why BCAA can be good for you.
- It supports muscle protein synthesis: Many gym-goers love BCAA and consume it frequently. Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that promotes muscle protein synthesis. Therefore, it is highly vital for muscle building. The dosage of 2 to 3 grams of leucine is regarded as effective for muscle protein synthesis. But make sure it is consumed as per your body weight.
- It reduces muscle soreness and damage: After an intense workout, you must have experienced a painful sensation or muscle soreness that lasts for days. This muscle soreness is also known as delayed onset muscle soreness, which develops within 12 to 24 hours of strenuous exercise. Sometimes, this pain can last for 72 hours. But after the intake of BCAA, you can ensure that the severity of the muscle soreness is reduced.
- It boosts the immune system: Intense training and strenuous exercise for days and weeks can result in a suppressed immune system and fatigue. According to research, supplementing with BCAA helps support the immune system efficiently. The immune system regenerates itself when the immune cells are used as a fuel source within the gut. Additionally, it protects against harmful pathogens. If your immune system is strengthened, you can less likely fall ill and feel exhausted.
What are collagen and their benefits?
Just like BCAA, collagen is made up of amino acids. But the amino acids in collagen are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Your body contains approximately 30 per cent of the collagen protein. This protein is found in bones, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen helps in strengthening different structures of the body. It also protects the skin by preventing pathogenic substances, cancerous cells, micro-organisms, and environmental toxins from absorbing and spreading. Read on to know the benefits of collagen.
- It boosts muscle mass: Collagen is essential for the proper functioning of the muscles. Approximately 1 to 10 per cent of collagen is found in the muscle tissue. Some studies have suggested that it helps increase muscle mass with people experiencing sarcopenia, which means loss of muscles due to aging.
- It improves skin health: When your body produces a sufficient amount of collagen, it results in strengthened skin, elasticity, and hydration. With less amount of this protein, it causes dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Since collagen is the prime component of the skin, you must boost it by consuming supplements.
- It prevents bone loss: The bones in the body are made up of collagen, which allows them to be strong and give an appropriate structure. If the collagen in your body decreases with age, it results in the deterioration of your bone mass. Several studies have shown that intake of collagen slows down bone breakdown.
Can you take BCAA and collagen together?
Collagen supplements and BCAA powder work wonders when consumed regularly. Together, they support your health and give you the strength and energy you need for any intense workouts throughout the day.
