Want to boost your performance in the gym and recover quicker so you can maximise every training session?
The Verve Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) Powder and the Verve Essential Amino Acids (EAA) power, part of our new Elements range - a premium collection of products designed to elevate your health and fitness - can offer the support you’re after.
But which one is best for you? Let’s dive in…
What Are Amino Acids And How Do They Support Muscle Growth?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and there are 20 of these amino acids in total. Protein and the amino acids which make up protein, are essential for good health- from hormone production, immune health, muscle and bone health and even weight management.
There are nine essential amino acids and the remaining 11 are non-essential, which means your body can produce them. The essential amino acids on the other hand, can’t be made by your body, which is where diet comes in.
All nine essential amino acids can be found in protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy products.
BCAAs in particular are a group of three specific amino acids - Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine - and these are all classed as essential amino acids.
The Benefits of EAA vs. BCAA
Both Verve EAA powder and Verve BCAA powder have their benefits. Verve EAA contains all nine of the essential amino acids. These are Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine.
These amino acids are needed for a lot of the processes that occur in your body. Tryptophan for example is a precursor to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates your appetite, sleep and even your mood.
A study has even found that tryptophan could help decrease anxiety and help boost mood.
Generally, research states that EAAs are crucial for stimulating muscle repair and growth. Along with resistance-based training and recovery, EAAs are an essential part of any gym-goers routine.
Verve EAA powder helps to support comprehensive recovery by replenishing all the amino acids needed for tissue repair and preventing muscle breakdown. EAAs can also help improve endurance, reduce fatigue and support your body’s overall function.
Verve EAA powder also contains the three BCAAs- Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine.
Research has found that BCAAs help to activate certain enzymes which support muscle growth. Plus, BCAAs help your muscles to keep going for longer, reducing exercise-induced fatigue. In one study, participants who took BCAAs reported up to 15% less fatigue than those who were given a placebo. If you’re an endurance athlete, this is particularly useful to help avoid that dreaded muscle fatigue.
BCAAs have also been shown to help support muscle recovery post exercise by lowering blood levels of the enzymes creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. These are involved in muscle damage.
Verve’s EAA vs. BCAA - What’s the Difference?
The notable difference between Verve EAA powder and Verve BCAA powder is that the Verve EAA contains nine essential amino acids that can help support muscle growth, recovery and overall athletic performance.
Verve BCAA Powder on the other hand contains just the three BCAAS in the recommended ratio of 2:1:1 with 2.25g of L-Leucine, 1.25 g of L-Isoleucine 1.25g and 1.25g of L-Valine.
Because Verve EAA contains all nine essential amino acids, EAAs are a more versatile supplement, supporting both muscle building and overall health.
Verve’s EAA vs. BCAA - Which One Is Best For You?
Not sure whether to go for Verve EAA powder or Verve BCAA powder? Both of these supplements stay true to our promise of honesty and transparency as we always share exactly what goes into our supplements so you can choose what’s best for you.
But, if you’re after more comprehensive muscle recovery and growth, especially after intense workouts, EAAs are the better choice, as they provide all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and recovery.
But, if you’re focusing on reducing fatigue or preventing muscle breakdown during long or intense workouts, BCAAs may be your best option, particularly if you’re an endurance athlete or if you’re doing longer sessions of high-intensity exercise.
How to Use Verve’s EAA and BCAA
To really reap the benefits, take BCAAs before, during or after exercise. Simply mix 5 g (1 level 10 ml scoop) of Verve BCAA Powder to 250ml of water or juice before and drink once a day.
For Verve’s EAA powder, mix 3 g (1 level 5 ml scoop) with at least 50 ml of water or fruit juice, shake and consume once daily.
