In bodybuilding circles, the term “Amino acids” is often thrown around casually. Most bodybuilders know it has to do with protein. And some know if from that green syrup you can sip after workouts. But what are they, and how are they the building blocks for everything muscle? Amino acids are literally the building blocks of protein. They are the 20 chemicals in the body that bond together to form muscle tissue. Five of these twenty are essential, or required, for muscle building, with the other fifteen being useful but not required. The Branched-Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs, are those three that are the main source of fuel of skeletal muscle tissue, or the muscles we like to flex in the mirror. Their names are leucine, valine, and isoleucine. Complete proteins – or those foods ...

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Q: Okay, I am thinking of trying HMB because someone I trust recommended it. I'd like to get a little more info on it though before I do. I read on the boards that some people swear by it and some people hate it and think it's useless. Worth trying? A: You just described every supplement on the market - there are always critics and supporters. HMB (Hydroxy Methylbutyrate) does help with protein synthesis, muscle recovery, growth and helps to halt catabolism. Take about 2-3 grams per day for the best results. It is produced by the body when muscle tissue breaks down, such as through training or other athletic pursuits. It is the by-product of when the amino acid Leucine breaks down. Leucine, one of the BCAA's (Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine) is found in high concentrations in the muscles. ...

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