subject: How Amino Acids Help Build Muscles [print this page] How Amino Acids Help Build Muscles How Amino Acids Help Build Muscles
The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural processes by which muscle is formed in the body. Here is one in a series of reports on this subject:
The simple fact is that without enough protein, you simply can't build muscle. However, it is also important to note that you need to consume quality protein and observe general principles of good nutrition.
If you are weight lifting and expect to obtain optimal results but are not getting a diet that is high in nutrition, then you are doing yourself a serious disservice. In fact, you may be undermining your own health and fitness goals.
Amino Acids & Protein
Protein is vital in building muscle, and this is where amino acids come into play. Just as protein serves as a building block for your muscle, it can be stated that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
If you are looking to build stronger and larger muscles, then invariably you will have to factor in the substantial importance of amino acids. There are twenty-one different amino acids, and some are more important than others. This is why, in general, amino acids are divided into two distinct categories one being "essential" and the other being "nonessential."
The Building Blocks
The eight essential amino acids are isoleucine, lysine, leucine, methionine, tryptophyan, valine, phenylalanine and threonine. It is important to note that amino acids are not just vital for building muscle, but also for a host of other important functions in the body including metabolism. Amino acids even play a role in the formation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. In short, amino acids are very important and play a multitude of roles in human health.
Amino acids are also clearly needed to build muscle. One that stands out is glutamine, as it comprises the majority of muscle mass. This is why body builders generally take glutamine supplements, which is usually taken in powdered form.
Likewise, bodybuilders frequently take whey protein. In addition to being a low-fat, high protein source, whey protein is also high in branched-chain amino acids, which play a major role in muscle protein. Valine, leucine and isoleucine are all branched-chained amino acids or BCAAs.
The Cooperative Elements
Bodybuilding, muscle mass gain and amino acids go hand in hand for obvious reasons. The fact that those looking to build mass turn to amino acids has everything to do with the fact that amino acids comprise the foundation of protein, which is ultimately what is needed for muscle gain.
There are a variety of amino acid supplementations to select from, ranging from amino acid supplements to whey protein and other proteins, as well as rice protein. These forms of supplements are are easy to digest, form a complete protein and are low in calories, but high in protein.
Glutathione is comprised of three different amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamatic acid, and is frequently used by those looking to build muscle.
Ultimately, amino acids serve to build muscle. For in a very real sense, they are muscle. Without sufficient amino acids, one cannot build muscle mass. Supplements are often used for those looking to maximize their muscle gain due to the fact that they are low in calories and fat, but high in protein levels and, of course, amino acids.
