Valine: Why You Need It & Where to Get It

Get to Know Valine, an Essential Amino Acid and an Athlete’s Best Friend

Amino acids are organic compounds operating as the building blocks of protein - essentially, what collagen is to the body, amino acids are to protein. When we say that BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein helps the body with functions such as growth, development, healing, energy or general repair, it’s really the amino acids within the collagen doing all the heavy lifting. In fact, amino acids help with nearly everything the body does, making it absolutely necessary to acquire the proper amount from foods or supplements. There are 20 different amino acids, each one with an individual, beneficial job in the body. Nine of these are essential amino acids, meaning the body on its own cannot make them. In order to ensure proper bodily function, these essential amino acids need to be ingested either via food or via supplements. One of these essential amino acids is valine, a major wellness advocate that does its job so well, you’ve likely never heard of it.

Valine, an Energy Boost in Amino Acid Form

Forgive us for going all sciencey for a second: Valine is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine, grouped together because of the uniqueness of their chemical properties among the amino acids. Additionally, valine is a hydrophobic amino acid, meaning it is not found in watery environments. It hides out in the interior of proteins allowing for valine’s three dimensional structure. So what? What does any of this mean for you? Simply put, valine enhances your energy levels. Not only that, but valine increases endurance and stimulates faster muscle recovery and repair, whether from a strenuous workout or a sustained injury. Additionally, valine functions to lower high blood sugar, increase growth hormones (in infants and children especially) and soothe an anxious nervous system. Purely due to the nature of how valine functions in your body, the benefits valine has on your body are vast. Valine is especially important for athletes, body builders or anyone with a vigorous workout routine, because of its ability to repair and recover damaged muscles. We’re not talking purely about torn or strained muscles; valine actively assists any muscle after a workout (although it does help with injured muscles, too!). Valine works in the body to provide the strength and energy it takes to rejuvenate exhausted muscles, so you can hit your workout again tomorrow with stronger, happier muscles and the same pain-free enthusiasm. Additionally, valine helps with endurance. Now, not only will you find yourself with more energy; you’ll stay at that level longer. Obviously, a lack of valine can cause damage to muscles over time, and can further slow muscle recovery timeframes. Also, if proper amounts of this amino acid aren’t being ingested, it can cause slower cognitive processes and a hyperactive nervous system. Lucky for you, there are not only foods which contain valine, but supplements as well, making it easy to intake the needed amount of valine for optimal muscle functionality.

Valine & Your Food

As valine is found within proteins, it follows that many protein-rich foods also contain valine. You can find high valine content in whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice; nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts; soy; fish; meats such as chicken, beef, and lamb; and mushrooms, to name a few. Some of these ingredients, including chicken or nuts, might already be a part of your daily diet. Others, such as mushrooms or quinoa, might be a newer addition to a diet in need of amino acids or proteins. However, by sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet, you’ll find yourself consuming all the amino acids you need for a well-balanced diet.

Valine & Your Supplements

Even though you can find valine in many popular, protein-rich foods, that doesn’t mean you can’t help your body and your diet out a bit. If you take a look at BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein, you’ll find one of its claims to fame is muscle recovery. This is due in part to the valine contained within the collagen protein. The other part is due to the proline and lysine also found in the BUBS Collagen Peptide amino profile. The three amino acids work together to balance the body’s level of nitrogen, restore those sore muscles in record time, and strengthen tendons and ligaments. What does this mean for you? It means BUBS’ Collagen Protein is going to put you on the road toward some of the best workouts of your life (not that we’re biased or anything…). Whether you source your valine from your food or from our one-scoop-and-donVektor Strategiese supplement, you can be confident in the positive effect not only valine, but all the amino acids, are having on your body and your overall healthy lifestyle.