From amino acids to whey: Everything about nutritional supplements

Posted on sustenance And tagged supplements, BCAA, amino acids, collagen, whey, nutrition, training

Whey, collagen, BCAA, amino acids... Important information about the most popular dietary supplements and exactly how they work

Despite efforts to eat a balanced, healthy and varied diet, it can happen that the body does not receive sufficient amounts of some nutrients. Of course, we would all like to see our refrigerator constantly filled with a variety of “superfoods,” but this is not a realistic option for most of us.

This is where nutritional supplements come in. They can help you address any deficiencies in your diet (such as protein deficiency), to balance. The resulting improved diet has a positive effect on your sporting performance. That sounds good? So let's take a look at the most popular dietary supplements and how exactly they work and can benefit you.

Whey

Would you like to eat more protein but not eat steaks several times a day? Whey is the answer.

The most popular and frequently used supplement is probably whey. Whey, in German whey, is a milk-based protein with many positive properties. Most use it to visibly build muscle mass. But it can do even more: Whey has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and can help you lose weight as it reduces the feeling of hunger.

BCAA

You've probably seen the letter combination BCAA before, but what does it stand for? BCAA is the abbreviation for the English “branched chain amino acids”. It sounds pretty boring, but believe us, these amino acids are essential for our bodies.

Our body contains 20 different amino acids. However, only 11 of these amino acids can be produced by our body itself — the others must be added to it through food. These are the so-called 'essential' amino acids. Of these 9, only three have a branched-chain structure — these are the BCAA.

But what do these BCAAs do anyway? This is actually very easy to explain: BCAAs promote muscle growth, relieve sore muscles and combat the exhaustion that we sometimes feel after training.

amino acids

And what about all the other great, non-essential amino acids? Don't worry, they're just as important, even though our bodies can produce them on their own.

Amino acids are best thought of as the building blocks of protein. Just as a wall won't last without stones, a body can't function properly without amino acids. This is exactly why many want to ensure that their bodies contain enough amino acids and help with supplements. What do they want to achieve with it? More muscle mass, faster fat burning and more energy throughout the day.

collagen

Collagen is found in our muscles, bones and especially in our skin. It gives the body's largest organ its elasticity and helps replace dead cells. However, your body's collagen production decreases as you age, which can result in sagging skin, wrinkles, and even pain.

Collagen is found in many foods, but supplements can help fight joint pain and also strengthen teeth and nails, reduce cellulite and stretch marks, and improve your overall complexion and hair structure.

Get your body working at full speed

The best sources of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals are and will ultimately be the foods we consume. Nevertheless, dietary supplements can help us protect our bodies from deficiencies and imbalances. If you'd like to find out more, contact one of our Holmes Place personal trainer.

Posted on sustenance and tagged supplements, BCAA, amino acids, collagen, whey, nutrition, training.