BCAA vs. Creatine, which is better?
Two of the most utilized supplements particularly in the bodybuilding world are BCAA and Creatine. Both enjoying massive popularity, some fitness enthusiasts stick with BCAA while others are perfectly comfortable with Creatine. So which between the two is actually better? Here is a BCAA vs Creatine situation that can help you decide for yourself.
What BCAA is
No BCAA vs Creatine piece would be complete without defining what BCAA is. BCAA stands for Branched Chain Amino Acids. These are formed from three essential amino acids: Leucine, Valine, and Isoleucine. BCAA supposedly burns fat, hastens muscle recovery, enhances muscle mass, and helps in achieving hormonal balance. Apart from supplements, you can naturally get them from meat and cheese.
What Creatine is
The second part of the equation is creatine. Creatine or Creatine Monohydrate is made up of two amino acids: arginine and methionine. Unlike BCAA, the body is equipped in a way that it produces Creatine naturally and orderly. The only reason why there are fitness enthusiasts who take Creatine supplements is that of its many proven health benefits. These include increasing energy, enhancing muscle mass, and reducing potential injury among others. One quick reminder: Creatine loading can lead to weight gain especially because of water retention. Make sure you strike a balance and keep safely hydrated.
Which is better?
Going back to the BCAA vs Creatine discussion, it really is quite difficult to use one and drop the other. The reason is that both supplements are effective so you can take them in conjunction with another. However, if you really have to pick one, base your decision on your goal. If you want quick muscle recovery and strength, then BCAA supplements should be your thing. If it is resistance and power are two of your priorities, then Creatine should do it for you.
What Science says
Research has helped to make a choice in the argument BCAA vs Creatine. To clear things up, creatine is not harmful to the kidneys and BCAA does help achieve post-gym soreness. How did research help? It delineated the type of athletes and what supplement is best for him or her. Here are the findings:
- If you want to build up strength (rower, bodybuilder, CrossFitter), BCAA should be better.
- If you want to build up endurance (sprinters, powerlifters, boxers), Creatine should be better.
You really do not have to choose one between the two. Both have two health end goals worthy of choice. Which one you would prefer would largely depend on the goal you have set. One thing is clear: whether you take a BCAA or Creatine, you can be assured that each supplement is clinically proven to provide a better health outlook for the human body so choosing one over the other should not be a problem.