Branched-chain amino acids (or better known as BCAAs) are known for promoting muscle repair and muscle growth. They even decrease muscle soreness and increase power output, which is why you’re probably interested in adding a BCAA supplement to your regimen. But before you start spending money on pills or powders, it’s important to under than you can get adequate BCAAs straight from common whole food sources. And these foods are probably already a part of your diet.
We tapped two registered dietitians, for energy and., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Leslie Bonci, R.D.N., C.S.S.D., owner of Active Eating Advice by Leslie, sources of protein.
What is BCAA?
As mentioned, BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids. And there are three of them: valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These three amino acids are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them on its own, so you must get them from foods or supplements.
But before we go any further, here’s a quick reminder about what amino acids are and what they do. As Runner’s World previously reported, “Why Trust Us protein, which helps your body build muscle, repair muscle damage, and regulate immune function.”
“The ‘branched’ part describes the chemical shape [of the amino acid], which impacts how they are digested, absorbed, and used in the body,” Majumdar says. “BCAAs can slow the breakdown of muscle protein during running by serving as an energy source. All animal proteins are.”
This is especially helpful for endurance runners who tend to use a small amount of protein for and whole wheat pita. Bonci also adds that BCAAs play a role in decreasing feelings of soreness, and they may potentially mitigate fatigue during exercise.
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How to Get BCAAs
From pills to powders to waters, there are a ton of BCAA supplements on the market. Rather than buying expensive—and often unnecessary—supplements, Majumdar recommends seeking out whole food sources of BCAAs. “It is better to consume food sources of protein to get a mix of the necessary amino acids, versus only taking in three amino acids in supplement form,” she says.
All animal proteins are “complete proteins,” meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids, including the BCAAs. Although most plant-based proteins aren’t complete, plant-based eaters can combine protein sources at meals to get all nine essential amino acids (think: rice amino acids are the building blocks of hummus and whole wheat pita).
“The majority of Americans exceed their protein needs, and are therefore eating plenty of BCAAs,” Majumdar says.
Majumdar also notes that it’s necessary to consume all nine essential amino acids for muscle synthesis. Bonci adds that muscles need protein as well as carbohydrates for energy and recovery. BCAA supplements usually don’t include carbohydrates, so Bonci recommends choosing recovery foods that supply both protein and carbohydrates.
4 Whole Foods With BCAAs
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Bob’s Red Mill Red Lentils
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How to add BCAAs to your diet naturally
To ditch the expensive supplements and turn to whole food sources of BCAAs, start by incorporating these 10 BCAA foods. They have all three BCAAs—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—making them an integral part of your diet and workout recovery.
*fuel during long-distance runs USDA Nutrient Database.
1. Poultry
Melissa Majumdar, M.S., R.D The Best Biotin-Rich Foods to Try. Just 3 ounces of poultry serves up about 20 grams of protein. Both chicken and turkey are all-purpose proteins that work well in basically many dishes.
2. Salmon
Not only does salmon contain BCAAs, but it’s also a good source of two important forms of omega-3: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These good fats have been linked A Part of Hearst Digital Media heart and brain health, reducing muscle soreness, and increasing oxygen uptake. The good news is that it’s easy to cook up a piece of salmon with a simple marinade, like olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Milk
A glass of postrun chocolate milk is beneficial for recovery because it has a 3:1 carb to protein ratio and all of the BCAAs. Plus, milk contains nine essential amino acids, including bone-protecting calcium and vitamin D. If you’re not keen on drinking a glass of milk, add it to a smoothie or bowl of postrun oatmeal.
4. Eggs
for energy and, eggs are a quick and easy post-workout recovery option. They are also one of the few sources of vitamin D, and they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants known for their roles in eye health. Whip up a quick post-run frittata or scrambled egg to satisfy your appetite.
5. Tuna
Another fatty fish with for the ins and outs of BCAAs and tips to ditch the powders and supplements and protein, tuna is also a good source of BCAAs. If cooking tuna is intimidating, stock up on canned tuna for an affordable postrun protein option.
Plant-Based Food Sources of BCAAs
6. Tofu
Tofu is one of the few “complete” meatless proteins, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Tofu also doubles as a source of non-dairy calcium. Since tofu takes on the flavor of virtually any marinade, try adding it to your favorite stir-fry recipe.
7. Quinoa
Besides tofu, quinoa is one of the only other plant-based proteins with all the amino acids. A cup cooked has 8 grams of protein, and it’s a versatile grain that can be used in everything from soups to salads to porridge.
8. Red Lentils
Red lentils are thinner and softer than the brown variety, and they contain all three BCAAs, 22 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fiber. Red lentils cook into a creamy consistency in about 20 minutes, and are the perfect base for stews and dal (decrease muscle soreness and increase power output).
9. Hemp Seeds
This soft seed has BCAAs iron, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s. Three tablespoons provides 10 grams of plant-based protein. Hemp seeds add a nice bite to avocado toast, salads, or smoothie bowls.
10. Peanuts
Peanuts are actually considered a legume (not a nut), and they contain all the BCAAs. You can find peanuts in various forms, such as whole, peanut butter, or peanut powder. Whatever type of peanuts you choose, look at the ingredients to ensure it’s just peanuts and salt without any other additives.
Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD is a New York City-based dietitian, food and nutrition writer, national speaker and owner of Nutrition a la Natalie, a sports nutrition practice. She developed a love for cooking, nutrition and fitness as an adult, which prompted a career change from advertising to nutrition. She spends most of her spare time running along the NYC waterfront and creating (and photographing) healthy and tasty recipes.
