I don’t really understand the difference between BCAA and straight up protein. As far as i understand BCAA binds it, but i don’t fully understand how it works and what it really does.
Anyway, i love taking it as a powder after my fast is done before working out. It works way better for me than drinking coffee. So i usually wait taking BCAA until after my fast is over.
I just don’t know if it actually contributes to weight gain? I eat protein (food) so would that just give me too much protein? I heard too much protein leads to weight gain.
I’m soooooooo confused. Dr. Google couldn’t explain it
So proteins as a whole when consumed are broken down by the body in to something like 20 different amino acids, nine of which are essential. You can think of BCAAs as a more “concentrated” form of three of those essential amino acids, which are more directly targeted to muscle growth.
Unfortunately, there just isn’t a lot of research in to BCAA and it’s effects on insulin resistance and weight gain. Some studies say it negatively impacts it, some say it doesn’t. If you’re just concerned about the amount of protein you’re intaking, you need to look at your macros, your goals, and the diet regime you’re trying to follow.
Personally, I prefer to stick to the keto concept of ~20% total daily calories from protein. Sometimes I use protein shakes to achieve it, but most times I prefer to stick to whole foods. But those three essential amino acids found in BCAAs are naturally occurring in whole protein-rich foods, so for most people it isn’t necessary to take supplements.
Hopefully that helps and I didn’t confuse you more!
>I just don’t know if it actually contributes to weight gain? I eat protein (food) so would that just give me too much protein? I heard too much protein leads to weight gain.
Protein is just a macronutrient. It doesn’t ‘lead’ to weight gain any more or less than overconsumption of anything does.
If you wanted to be on the safe side still count BCAAs as their equivalent in protein of 4 calories per gram.