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Author: stella_emg

Amino Acids 101: What Every Athlete Needs to Know

Posted on by stella_emg
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aminoVITAL® | Garmin Run Website Article – Amino Acids 101: What Every Athlete Needs to Know

Beyond Training: The Role of Nutrition in Athletic Performance

For athletes, training is crucial for their physical strength development. However, proper nutrition also plays a role that is just as important in their strength training. The synergy between training and nutrition intake elevates an athlete’s performance. Understanding the balance will be your key to unlocking higher performance, faster recovery period, and improved overall well-being

Understanding Amino Acid

Amino acids are the organic compounds that form a building block of proteins. The human body can synthesize hundreds of amino acids. However, there are 9 amino acids that it can’t produce on its own. 

Types & Functions of Amino Acids

Essential Amino Acids

The 9 amino acids that can’t be produced by the human body are called essential amino acids. They can only be obtained from the nutrition you consume and play a vital role in muscle repair, immune function, and hormone production. These 9 amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. 

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the human body, and there are 11 of them. Some amino acids are classified as conditional, meaning they are only considered essential during illness or stress. Non-essential amino acids also function in metabolism and maintaining nitrogen balance. While the essential amino acid tryptophan helps correct nitrogen balance, the non-essential amino acid asparagine is involved in nitrogen transport within body cells.

BCAAs: Unique Benefits for Athletes

What Are BCAAs?

Among 9 of the essential amino acids, 3 of them are the most crucial in muscle metabolism and regeneration, also called Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). The specific names of amino acids that make up the BCAAs are isoleucine, leucine, and valine. They are essential nutrients with unique structures that contribute the most to your muscles in repair, regeneration, and recovery. It is most beneficial for athletes, bodybuilders, and other endurance athletes to enhance their athletic performance. 

Thanks to BCAAs, you will feel these benefits:

  • Muscle Endurance: BCAAs maintain your energy during prolonged exercise
  • Reduced Muscle Fatigue: Minimizes soreness and fatigue for longer periods
  • Speed Up Muscle Recovery: Accelerates muscle recovery post-exercise so you can bounce back faster

Incorporating BCAAs and Amino Acids into Your Diet

Dietary Sources

Besides proper training and hydration, high-quality protein sources are essential in your diet. Consuming these proteins will provide you with the necessary amino acids. Here are some excellent sources of protein:

  • Meat: Beef, chicken, and pork are packed with protein and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, ideal for muscle repair and recovery.
  • Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt offer a balanced mix of protein, a good source of calcium, and beneficial for gut health.
  • Eggs: A complete protein source that contains all essential amino acids.
  • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are plant-based sources of protein and amino acids, a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

 

Supplementation

In addition to these excellent dietary sources, amino acid supplements like aminoVITAL® can help athletes meet their daily BCAA requirements. Specifically formulated for athletes, aminoVITAL® supports muscle recovery, reduces fatigue, and enhances overall sports performance. 

Are you participating in a marathon soon? Bring aminoVITAL® with you! For a full marathon, take one pouch before, one during, and one after the race. For a half-marathon, take one pouch before and one after the race. So, get your essential amino acids in the convenient and portable pouch of aminoVITAL®!

 

Join the aminoVITAL® community today on Instagram and Facebook!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myaminovital/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myaminovital/ 

 

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