BCAA supplements can enhance your workout, but should you take them?
BCAA powders taste delicious—but will they make me stronger? (John Arano via Unsplash/)People starting on a health journey often turn to supplements, probably because we like buying things more than we like doing hard physical work. One of the most ubiquitous powders aspiring athletes turn to are BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids. These grown-up Kool-Aid mixes promise a boost for your muscles as well as a sweet and guilt-free beverage for you to enjoy after a workout.But is this addition to your health regime necessary? Here’s a breakdown.What are BCAAs?There are three types of branched-chain amino acids our bodies use to create protein: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. As a reminder, amino acids are, to use parlance of your high school bio teacher, the “building blocks” of proteins, which your body uses not only for your biceps and quads but also your skin, hair, blood, bones, and a whole lot more....