Today more than ever, people are increasingly aware of their health and lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet. Part of an excellent diet requires considering vital essential nutrients. Leucine is an amino acid that can help promote a better life. However, not many people know about this nutrient or what role it plays in our bodies. Leucine can be commonly found in beef. However, how much leucine can you find in beef, and what are the befits of consuming this amino acid? Our team of professionals at ENU invite you to keep reading as we discuss what leucine is, how much leucine there is in beef, and how much you should consume.

What is Leucine?

Leucine is a branch amino acid (BCAA) used by the body to synthesize protein. Through protein synthesis, the body builds muscle and provides it with energy. The other known BCAAs are known as valine and isoleucine. However, leucine is the one that is used the most, especially among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. This amino acid can be found in many different food sources such as dairy products, eggs, nuts, and beef. This BCAA can be classified into L-leucine and D-leucine. L-leucine is found in the body and in different supplements. On the other hand, D-leucine is practically a clone of L-leucine, which is created in a lab. While the research on this and other BCAAs is not extensive, Leucine is known to have different potential benefits, which we discuss below.

How Much Leucine is there in Beef, and What Are the Benefits?

As we mentioned, leucine can be found in protein sources such as beef. The amount of leucine you can get from beef will depend on your serving size and the type of meat you eat. For example, if you are consuming a five-ounce beef fillet, you will probably get four leucine grams. However, you may get a little less leucine from an average-sized pork loin. There are different benefits associated with this popular BCAA. Some of the benefits you can get from consuming leucine from beef include the following:

Promoting Brain Function

Oral-branched amino acid-like leucine can help promote better brain function. Some evidence suggests that leucine can help people promote cognition. This is especially true in cases where a person suffers from brain conditions due to hepatic diseases. However, more studies may be required to better understand leucine’s role in improving the brain’s cognitive functions.

Muscle Recovery

Intense workouts are part of many people’s lives. Activities such as running, biking, and weightlifting can help stimulate muscle and improve muscle development. However, in order to enhance muscle growth and development, you may need supplements. Leucine has proven to be effective against muscle fatigue and the exertion caused by workouts. Having a balanced diet that includes leucine can help you develop and maintain muscle over time.

Strength

Leucine supplementation can also help improve strength. According to a study performed in 2011, several men’s overall strength and weight lifting capabilities under leucine supplementation were improved. However, the use of this supplement for strength and overall training performance doesn’t necessarily amount to more muscle mass. Muscle improvement can be achieved by sticking to a training regimen along with a balanced diet.

How Much Leucine Should I Consume?

The amount of leucine you can consume can change depending on your particular needs. Many different factors can come into play when determining the appropriate and safe amounts of leucine you can consume. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your daily physical activity may play a significant role in determining how much leucine you can or should consume. Suppose you live a sedentary lifestyle with little to no physical activity. In that case, you may require a higher leucine intake compared to a person who is more active and consumes leucine-rich supplements like protein shakes.

But, how can you reach your optimal leucine consumption goals? If you can’t make time to train or you can’t exercise due to a medical condition, you may want to consult with your dietician. Revising your current diet regimen can help you understand what your leucine needs are. Your dietician may find it suitable for you to eat more leucine-dense foods in tandem with a leucine-rich protein shake.

If you live an active lifestyle and train three to five days a week, you may want to consider adding leucine to your diet. People with more active lifestyles – like bodybuilders and elite athletes – cause a lot of strain to their muscles during training. After an intense workout, your body will look for any resources available to replenish and restore its muscles. Leucine can be extremely helpful during the muscle recovery process. Our ENU Pro 3 + is a meal replacement shake packed with lots of nutrients, including L-leucine. Talk to your dietician and ask whether you should include these protein shakes in your diet.

How Much Leucine is Good for Vegans?

Not everybody eats beef or other meats. Vegans have a distinct diet requiring a different approach, supplement and training-wise. Many people following this diet may find it hard to keep their energy and performance levels when training. However, this is something you can solve by consuming leucine. As we mentioned at the beginning, leucine is excellent for strength. Adding leucine into your vegan diet can help you perform well in your training sessions. Our ENU protein shakes can help you boost your leucine intake.

Leucine-Rich Meal Replacement Shakes for Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle

If you or someone you know is looking to add leucine into their daily diet, we can help. ENU is a company dedicated to producing nothing but high-quality meal replacement protein shakes for all of our customers. Thanks to our proprietary blend, we can add excellent nutritional value to your existing diet. All of our shakes are jam-packed with essential nutrients that can help you keep an overall balanced lifestyle. To learn more about our amazing protein-rich shakes, call ENU today. Our office number is (855) 266-6733.