Best BCAA Supplements in India: 5 Things to Consider When Shopping for BCAA Supplements

Over the past decade, people have become conscious about their bodies, what they take in and how it helps their bodies. It is not a secret that the protein supplement industry is thriving, courtesy of the newfound love for healthy lifestyles. People want to look better, feel better and ward off lifestyle diseases.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have gained popularity among sportspeople and gym-goers. These supplements come in powder and tablet form, which you can ingest on the go, whether on your morning jog, evening cycling, or gym session.

But how do you know the best BCAA supplement in India among the hundreds on offer?

Are you unsure of what aspects make a good BCAA supplement stand out from the rest? The following factors are a good place to start:

Amino acid ratio

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Your muscle is composed mainly of protein which determines how lean or thin you are. When we ingest proteins, the body absorbs and stores some, forming a leaner muscle. When you work out, these proteins are broken down into amino acids; essential and non-essential.

The body needs essential amino acids for bodily functions, but unfortunately, it cannot manufacture them. You need to ingest them from protein sources such as foods and BCAA supplements.

BCAAs are made up of three essential amino acids, Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. These amino acids should be in the 2:1: 1 ratio, respectively. Leucine needs to be higher than Isoleucine and valine. However, this does not mean that the more Leucine a brand has, the better it is. The 2:1:1 ratio is ideal, so don’t get tricked by manufacturers that add more Leucine to trick customers.

Ration

Ration or serving size is the standard amount of food or supplement you should take as recommended by a nutritional facts label. BCAAs are either powder or tablets. You should consider how many grams are in one scoop of powder or tablet.

The ideal serving size should contain 7-10 grams of the product. The product should be proportionally mixed such that each ration contains the three amino acids in the correct ratio. For example, 10 grams of your best BCAA supplement in India should contain 5 grams of Leucine, 2.5 grams of Isoleucine, and 2.5 grams of valine.

Certification

With so many companies offering BCAA brands, the only way to ensure a quality product is by going for certified products. In India, the body responsible for licensing and regulating supplements is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Also, check that the company has a Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP) certificate.

A great brand indicates its certifications on the packaging or in an accompanying written leaflet. Online shopping has brought its shares of downsides, one being false five-star reviews and ratings. But you can never go wrong with a five-star manufacturer with the proper certification and licensing.

Other ingredients

 A good BCAA supplement has other ingredients that aid in absorption and make the supplement ingestible. These include sweeteners, flavors, ergogenic amino acids, and carbohydrates.

Ergogenic amino acids are other essential or non-essential amino acids added to aid in the uptake of the BCAAs. These include Glutamine, Alanine, Tryptophan, and Threonine.

Carbohydrates are essential in BCAA supplements. They provide additional energy that you need during training and increase insulin in the body. Insulin helps in the absorption of BCAAs. However, ensure that the carbs are non-sugary and gluten-free.

Flavors and sweeteners make the supplements tastier because plain amino acids can be distasteful to some people. Nutritionists recommend going for non-sweetened and non-flavored brands, but a little may not hurt. Remember to check all the ingredients to ensure there are no allergens.

Reviews and Testimonials

Thanks to online shopping, you can now leave a positive or negative review depending on your experience with a product. Check out other customers’ reviews and testimonials before deciding on buying a product. You can tell the satisfaction rate of a BCAA brand from other people’s criticism or praise.

Be wary of false five-star reviews that lure unsuspecting buyers into purchasing a product. Even the perfect product does not please everyone a hundred percent, so one or two negative and many positive reviews show a trusted brand. Look for reliable review sites such as Trust pilot.

Conclusion

Choosing the best BCAA supplement in India among hundreds of similar products is challenging. To ensure you get the right product for your dietary needs, consider the amino acid ratio, ration, and other accompanying ingredients. 

Additionally, always go for certified manufacturers. And because we are living in the online shopping era, don’t forget to check other customers’ reviews.