L-Leucine: Muscle Builder
L-Leucine is one of the essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce itself and therefore requires it from a regular diet.
The major sources of this essential amino acid include dairy products, beans, oats, meat, eggs, and many more.
Reported Effects
1) Enhances muscle mass.
2) Increases endurance and energy.
3) Reduces weight.
Reported effects include:
Enhances muscle mass – One of the major uses of L-Leucine is for building muscle mass. This amino acid helps to promote the formation of muscular cells in the body to gain strength and energy while performing heavy physical exercises, including bodybuilding and weightlifting.
Prevents damage of muscle tissue – Another related benefit of L-leucine is for preventing the damage of muscle tissue in the body. This amino acid helps the body to block protein catabolism in the muscle tissue and therefore maintains one’s well-being.
Induces growth hormone production – Another advantage of L-leucine is for inducing the production of growth hormones that work effectively to enhance the muscles in an individual. Therefore, those who want to build lean muscle and gain strength to perform bodybuilding exercises or sport related physical workouts can take supplements or food rich in this essential amino acid.
Increases endurance and energy – L-Leucine is widely known to promote endurance and energy in the human body. People serious about bodybuilding and weightlifting must consume L-leucine in the form of either dietary supplements or regular meals.
Reduces weight – Most experts suggest that L-leucine, in combination with exercise, has a direct impact on body weight. This combination helps people to maintain proper body composition and health.
Controls cholesterol – One of the major advantages of L-leucine is for controlling the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body. While this amino acid facilitates release of bad cholesterol responsible for various diseases, it also allows the body to form good cholesterol – HDL (high density lipoproteins) – to ensure that the body organs function effectively.
Promotes nitrogen balance and preserves muscle glycogen – One of the key usages of L-leucine is for maintaining muscle fibers as this amino acid helps balance the nitrogen levels. In addition, it also preserves the muscle glycogen levels which is responsible for reducing fatigue.
Possible Dangers
L-Leucine has not been reported to show any major side effects and therefore can be considered safe and non-toxic in the human body.
FDA Approved?
The Food and Drug Administration has evaluated and approved L-leucine as a safe ingredient for human consumption.
Studies
Various clinical studies have suggested that L-leucine is a remarkable ingredient that can be consumed safely by individuals willing to develop stronger muscle cells. As per these studies, L-leucine triggers the formation of growth hormones which in turn allows the muscle to grow effectively.
A few studies have also reported that L-leucine may be effective for building muscle tissue. As per these studies, this essential amino acid, when administered in old rats, exhibited significant properties that helped build their muscle tissue.
Certain studies also related the benefits of L-leucine for mental strength. These studies reported that the amino acid has an impact on the brain and therefore can be applicable for promoting endurance and mental focus while performing heavy training exercises.
Some recent studies have suggested that L-leucine is effective in maintaining the cholesterol levels in the body and therefore can show positive effects in controlling certain disease symptoms.
Supplements using this ingredient:
1. Source Naturals L-Leucine
3. Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 Caps
5. MusclePharm Re-Con
6. Bodybuilding.com Amino Recovery
7. OptimumSuperiorAmino 2222
8. MusclePharm BCAA 3:1:2
9. ProMera Sports GLUTA-TREN
10. Optimum BCAA 5000 Powder
Conclusion
L-Leucine is known to be a popular dietary ingredient for individuals who wish to develop their muscle cells, gain endurance, energy, and maintain normal health. This amino acid is widely used in the areas of bodybuilding and sports.
Most of the commercial bodybuilding dietary supplements include L-leucine as the primary ingredient along with another ingredient known as L-tyrosine.
Tags: L-Leucine
