Amino acid supplements are one of the most commonly brought supplements these days. They are convenient, affordable, and highly effective. From bodybuilders and athletes to simple laymen, everyone can use amino supplements. They help in boosting energy, grow and recover muscles, and strengthen immunity. Since there are a variety of amino supplements on the market, it becomes difficult to choose the best one. This article will guide you on how to buy the best amino acid supplements.
WHAT ARE AMINO ACIDS?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are 20 in number amongst which nine are essential amino acids. These amino acids cannot be produced in the body and should be taken through diet or supplements. Apart from essential amino acids, there are nonessential amino acids and conditional amino acids. The former can be produced in the body and need not be taken through outside sources. The latter is a form of non-essential amino acids, the difference being that they are produced in certain conditions only. Amino acids cater to the health of organ functions, tissues, brain, digestion, muscles, hormone regulation, and nutrient absorption.
BENEFITS OF TAKING AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS
Amino acid supplements are beneficial for a number of reasons, such as:
- Muscle health and recovery
- Heart and vascular health
- Liver health
- Cognition, memory, and focus
- Joint health
- Gut health
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUR NEEDS?
Amino acid supplements contain essential amino acids. While some contain all the nine essential amino acids, other contains only a few. You must choose an amino supplement as per your health need.
You can consult a healthcare professional to understand well which supplements will work for you. If you are taking other medications then it is more important to go to your healthcare in charge.
That said, there are a few criteria that one must definitely consider while buying an amino acid supplement-
- First, specify your goals and health needs, both long-term and short-term. It will help you to choose the appropriate and exact supplement for your fitness.
- Check out the brand. See if there are any loopholes or red flags. You can easily get reviews and feedback online. Read them and see if the brand is good enough.
- If you want to dig in a little more, then find some research and some proof of the amino supplement that you plan to buy. You can ask for clinical or formal research to validate a product before you buy it. You can check the website online.
Above all, check the ingredients. Ingredients are a must-check. The best amino acid supplements will definitely contain BCAAs, that is, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Some amino supplements might contain all the nine essential amino. Plus, there will be some additional nutrients to make it more effective. Check which ingredients you need and accordingly choose the best supplement.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS?
There are different types of amino acid supplements based on the different ingredients that they contain. For instance, there are BCAAs, which are branched-chain amino acids. BCAAs are made of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are most beneficial for physically active people. They are a good choice for bodybuilders, athletes, and gym-goers. BCAA supplements provide energy and help to quickly recover from exercise. BCAAs help in muscle growth, muscle development, and muscle recovery. This can be taken as a post-workout supplement. They will also boost your energy and replenish your glycogen stores. As a result, you will stay active and vigilant.
The next popular amino acid supplements are vasodilators and vascular health-focused supplements. They contain L-Arginine which is beneficial for people who lift heavy weights. It works best to be taken before one’s workout. It is a vasodilator, meaning that it helps your blood vessels to dilate. It helps your body to carry blood, water, and nutrients to your muscles more easily. The result is a good post-workout pump, more energy, and more muscle mass. L-Arginine and other vasodilators are helpful for people with minor cases of erectile dysfunction.
Then there are high-end, targeted amino acids. They have become more and more popular. These supplements have specific outcomes like recovery, heart health, energy, and fatty liver prevention. These high-end amino supplements are fairly priced. However, they are more guaranteed and effective. These are usually backed by clinical research and offer more surety. These amino supplements are good for people who live an active lifestyle, as well as for people who have specific health goals like athletes and bodybuilders. They are also significant for older people. These high-end amino supplements help to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet in the elderly. It keeps their muscles intact and boosts nutrient absorption, immunity, and energy.
