Branched
chain amino acids(BCAAs) which consist of Leucine, Isoleucine and valine are vital
for stimulating protein synthesis and building muscle mass as well as boosting
metabolism, fighting fatigue, reducing muscle soreness and improving immune function.
BCAAs are renowned to have anti-catabolic effects as they contribute to an increase
in growth hormones, testosterone levels and insulin which are all anabolic hormones.
If you're
not getting enough BCAAs from your nutrition, having recourse to BCAA supplements
will be very effective. BCAA supplements are available in both powder and capsule/pill
form. The concentration of BCAAs is more in the powdered version than the capsule/pill
version making the former more preferable as it's easier to use only 1 scoop and
mix it with water as compared to swallowing several capsules or pills to meet
your daily needs. BCAA powder is bitter and not tasty, that's how it's supposed
to be in its raw state but to make it palatable, artificial sweeteners like sucralose
are usually added. Sucralose also known as splenda is six hundred times sweeter
than table sugar and is not metabolized by your body to provide energy, hence
it contains zero calories. As
far as health is concerned, its long term use is still questionable as to potential
side effects in the long run or even short term as some people are prone to migraines,
headaches, dizziness, rashes, bloating, stomach cramps after consuming sucralose.
If you are health-conscious and want none of that, you can still have recourse
to BCAA powder supplements without artificial sweeteners like sucralose, acesulfame
potassium or aspartame. Since
raw BCAA powder is bitter, it's advisable to mix it with drinks like fruit juice,
gatorade, smoothies or protein shakes to mask the taste but if you can have it
with plain water, that's great. After research, here are the top 5 BCAA powder
without artificial sweeteners. Tip:
Always get the unflavored version if there are choices available as the flavored
ones usually contain artificial sweeteners but if they contain natural sweeteners
like stevia, then they are definitely a wise choice. Stevia is actually a zero
calorie 100% natural sweetener which is extracted from the leaves of the herbal
plant Stevia Rebaudiana and it's totally healthy and safe.
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MRM, BCAA+G 1000, Lemonade,
2.2 lbs (1,000 g)
Premium
Muscle Recovery Formula Enhanced
with L-Glutamine 100% Micronized
BCAA Certified Vegan
Contains
2,500 mg L-Leucine(Fermented), 1,000 mg L-Isoleucine(Fermented), 1,500 mg L-Valine(Fermented),
1,000 mg L-Glutamine(Fermented), natural lemonade flavor, citric acid, stevia
leaf extract and monk fruit extract. |
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California Gold Nutrition,
BCAA Powder, AjiPure®, Branched Chain Amino Acids, 16 oz (454 g)
L-Leucine(Fermented)
- 2.5 grams L-Isoleucine(Fermented)
- 1.25 grams L-Valine(Fermented)
- 1.25 grams
Top of the line BCAAs sourced exclusively from Ajinomoto.
Pharmaceutical Grade and produced via patented Ferment-A-Pure Technology, this
supplement features AjiPure® Amino Acids. No animal products like hair or
feathers are used, so it's also suitable for vegetarians and vegan. |
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