Beta Alanine – What Is It And How Does It Work?
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These days, with health, sports, and nutritional supplements almost literally everywhere, finding the right supplement for you couldn’t be easier. At least, that’s the theory. In reality however, due to the fact that there are so many different kinds of supplement out there, each one designed to serve its very own purpose, one can easily find oneself overwhelmed due to vast expanse of options on offer. As there are so many different kinds of supplement out there, with each one designed to serve its own unique purpose, actually knowing and understanding about each supplement is half the battle, which is why we’ve compiled this article right now. Here we’ll be taking an in-depth look at beta-alanine, looking at what it is, how it works, and what the various benefits of taking this supplement actually are. So, without any further hesitation, let’s get started.
What is beta alanine?
Beta alanine is sports supplement that is used by athletes all over the world, for a whole variety of different reasons. Beta alanine is actually a naturally occurring form of non-essential amino acid, which basically means that the human body is naturally able to synthesise it. Despite this, the amount the body is able to produce naturally isn’t enough for it to be of any real benefit, which is why it is proving to be such a popular sports supplement. Amino acids are actually natural compounds and are basically described as being the building blocks of protein molecules.
How does it work?
Within the body, this amino acid actually works by helping to produce a molecule found within the skeletal muscles known as carnosine. This molecule plays a key role in muscle performance and fatigue. In simple terms, the more carnosine naturally present there is, the more effective the muscles become, meaning they can work harder and for longer before they begin to fatigue.
So, what are the main benefits?
The main benefit of beta alanine is the fact that it helps to naturally produce more carnosine within the skeletal muscles. This increase in carnosine means that the muscles work longer, harder, and more efficiently before they become tired. This can help to improve athletic performance and it can also help to improve lean muscle mass, as the harder the muscles can work in the gym, the more effective your workouts will become as a result. Another key benefit is that beta alanine has been found to improve aerobic endurance, meaning that cardiovascular-based exercises such as swimming, running, or cycling, will actually be more productive as users will be able to exercise for longer periods of time before they fatigue, and also work just that little bit harder too.
So, there you have it. Although our bodies naturally produce the amino acid, in order for the results to become noticeable and effective, it should be consumed in supplement form. From there it can improve athletic performance, increase lean muscle mass, improve your strength, and much more on top of that.