What are Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and they play a crucial part in repairing our muscles, helping us recover, and improving our overall health.

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In total, there are 20 amino acids; 11 of which our body can produce on its own and 9 that it can’t. The 9 that cannot be produced by the body are referred to as the Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) and must be absorbed from high-protein foods like meat, fish, and eggs, etc. or from supplements.

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If you train hard or if you don’t get enough high-protein in your diet, especially for the vegetarians and vegans out there, it’s important to supplement with the use of BCAAs or EAAs. But what’s the difference? BCAAs, or Branch Chain Amino Acids, are very similar to EAAs, but instead of having all 9 of the essential amino acids, they only have 3! So, while BCAAs are good, why not step it up a notch to GREAT and take all 9 at once by supplementing with EAAs instead?

I am always trying to improve my health, challenge my body, and make myself as bulletproof as possible. I love training and it’s a normal week for me to get in 4-5 lifting sessions and 2-3 Jiu-Jitsu sessions. Each day I try to lift heavier, push further, and reach new goals, but the wear and tear takes its toll, so recover is paramount. EAAs are my fav way to recover and my fav brand is called Ultra Human (a name I can identify with!).

The Benefits OF Essential amino acids

  • EAAs preserve muscle, especially in a fasted state and they don’t break your fast due to the very low insulin response from the body. Therefore, they won’t interfere with ketosis, and to be honest, having some will defo help you make it to the end of your fast without cheating.

  • Taking EAAs post-workout increases muscle synthesis, which in turn, stimulates faster recovery and reduces fatigue. They have also been shown to help improve sleep.

  • Mental function is increased due to the amino acid tryptophan which produces one of my favorite hormones, serotonin to help with cognitive performance.

  • EAAs help increase / improve

    • Red blood cell count and formation

    • Haemoglobin, Hematocrit, and Serum albumin

    • Glycogen replenishment

    • Enzyme production

    • Hormone Regulation

    • Neurotransmitter Balance

    • Metabolism

So after your next session at Lift, be sure to add a scoop of EAAs to your water and help your body out. With all the research, I’m sure you can’t wait to use EAAs to help make a more bulletproof you!