Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are the nine amino acids your body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food or supplements. They include:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

🔑 Core Benefits of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs):

💪 1. Muscle Growth and Repair

• EAAs are critical for muscle protein synthesis (MPS).
• Leucine, in particular, triggers MPS more effectively than other amino acids.
• EAAs outperform BCAAs alone because they provide the full set needed for building new muscle tissue.

🏋️ 2. Improved Exercise Performance & Recovery

• EAAs can reduce muscle breakdown (catabolism) during intense or prolonged training.
• May speed up recovery and reduce soreness post-exercise.
• Provide energy during training when glycogen is low.

🍽️ 3. Appetite Control & Metabolism

• Some EAAs, especially tryptophan and phenylalanine, support neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine), which help regulate mood and appetite.
• Can support lean muscle maintenance during weight loss, preserving metabolism.

🧠 4. Mood and Cognitive Function

• EAAs are precursors to key brain chemicals:
  • Tryptophan → Serotonin (mood)
  • Phenylalanine → Dopamine, Epinephrine (motivation, focus)

🛡️ 5. Immune and Hormonal Support

• Histidine supports the immune response.
• EAAs play a role in hormone production, including insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones.

🧬 6. Tissue, Skin, and Organ Health

• Help repair and build not just muscle, but also skin, connective tissue, enzymes, and organ tissue.
• Important for wound healing, especially in recovery or clinical settings.

EAA Supplementation vs. BCAAs:

When to Take EAAs:

• Before/during/after workouts for recovery and muscle maintenance.
• During fasting or calorie-restricted diets to preserve lean mass.
• When protein intake is low or suboptimal (e.g., plant-based diets, illness).

I use and recommend Perfect Aminos