Leucine is an essential amino acid which means that it is not
produced in the body and must be obtained from the food we eat. It is a
branched chain amino acid that plays multiple roles in body metabolism
and functions in accordance with the amount of concentration of body
cells.
Leucine is said to be the only amino acid that has the ability to stimulate production of proteins in muscles tissues. It is this property of leucine that gave it a reputation of being a preferred dietary supplement to build muscle mass because of its ability to slow down the deterioration of muscle tissues by enhancing the production of more proteins in human muscles.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, blood glucose and insulin content were measured to determine how leucine helps in the recovery of muscle strength after exercise. It demonstrated that leucine, when taken orally, has the ability to induce the production of proteins in the skeletal muscles after physical activity and exercise.
It is known to be ergogenic, a substance that improves physical performance. In an experiment conducted among canoeists, leucine supplementation resulted to an increase in rowing time, increase in the level of leucine in the blood, increase in upper body strength and a remarkable improvement in stamina and endurance.
Leucine is also believed to aid in weight loss by retaining lean muscle mass in individuals who are low in caloric content. A diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates is considered an important element in losing weight. A diet rich in protein prevents loss of muscle tissues while removing too much fat from the body.
Studies conducted on a weight watchers' protein intake suggests that protein easily makes a person feel stuffed, improves a person's glycemic index, prevents further degradation of muscle protein and increases the production of body heat.
An important element found in a protein-rich diet is the intake of a significant amount of branched chain amino acids particularly leucine. Aside from its ability to increase protein production in muscle tissues, leucine also helps in regulating blood sugar levels by initiating gluconeogenesis or the production of fresh glucose in the body.
It is also known to prevent the deterioration of glucose from the muscle tissues by initiating the process of glucose alanine cycle.
Leucine can be obtained from soy protein concentrate, soybeans, beef, fish, chicken, eggs, peanuts, wheat germ, almonds, oats, corn, rice and milk.
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Leucine is said to be the only amino acid that has the ability to stimulate production of proteins in muscles tissues. It is this property of leucine that gave it a reputation of being a preferred dietary supplement to build muscle mass because of its ability to slow down the deterioration of muscle tissues by enhancing the production of more proteins in human muscles.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, blood glucose and insulin content were measured to determine how leucine helps in the recovery of muscle strength after exercise. It demonstrated that leucine, when taken orally, has the ability to induce the production of proteins in the skeletal muscles after physical activity and exercise.
It is known to be ergogenic, a substance that improves physical performance. In an experiment conducted among canoeists, leucine supplementation resulted to an increase in rowing time, increase in the level of leucine in the blood, increase in upper body strength and a remarkable improvement in stamina and endurance.
Leucine is also believed to aid in weight loss by retaining lean muscle mass in individuals who are low in caloric content. A diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates is considered an important element in losing weight. A diet rich in protein prevents loss of muscle tissues while removing too much fat from the body.
Studies conducted on a weight watchers' protein intake suggests that protein easily makes a person feel stuffed, improves a person's glycemic index, prevents further degradation of muscle protein and increases the production of body heat.
An important element found in a protein-rich diet is the intake of a significant amount of branched chain amino acids particularly leucine. Aside from its ability to increase protein production in muscle tissues, leucine also helps in regulating blood sugar levels by initiating gluconeogenesis or the production of fresh glucose in the body.
It is also known to prevent the deterioration of glucose from the muscle tissues by initiating the process of glucose alanine cycle.
Leucine can be obtained from soy protein concentrate, soybeans, beef, fish, chicken, eggs, peanuts, wheat germ, almonds, oats, corn, rice and milk.