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Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) boast a unique ability to promote muscle repair and growth and even decrease muscle soreness and increase power output, which is why some of us include BCAA supplements in our nutrition regimen. But many don’t realize that it’s actually incredibly easy to get adequate BCAAs through common whole food sources.
So we tapped two registered dietitians, Melissa Majumdar, M.S., R.D., 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, for the ins and outs of BCAAs and tips to ditch the powders and supplements.