WASHINGTON (Reuters) - People with fat in their thighs and backsides may live longer because the fat traps harmful fatty particles and actively secretes helpful compounds, according to a report published on Tuesday.

Q: First of all, I want to post a big "thank you" for all your great work. I’m a professional water polo player in Switzerland and a big fan of the Zone Diet. My question: I am very strict with measuring the food. Would it be a bad influence if I would supplement my eating with BCAAs or in general with amino acids? Would this kick me out of the Zone?

Thank you very much for your answer! Keep up your wonderful work!
Cheers, Tibor, Switzerland

 A:  The branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are also essential amino acids and found in high concentrations in muscles.  The research indicates that a diet rich in BCAAs can reduce the muscle damage that takes place during intense exercise. Of the three BCAAs, leucine has the most powerful effects on protein synthesis by stimulating both insulin and mTOR elements in the muscle cell.  You probably don’t need supplemental sources of BCAAs if your diet is rich in low-fat dairy products, low-fat red meat or isolated soy protein.  Of the three, I prefer low-fat dairy since it contains no arachidonic acid or excess phytosterols.