EAA, BCAA, CPA—Oh My! What These Acronyms Actually Mean (And Why You Should Care If You’re Plant-Based and Over 50)

Nancy Leeds Gribble
Oct 25
4 min read

If you’ve ever flipped over a supplement label and felt like you were reading a secret code—EAA? BCAA? CPA?!—you’re not alone.

And no, you don’t need a finance degree to figure it all out (that’s the CPA part—just keeping it fun 😉).

But if you’re a plant-based or vegan woman over 50 who’s ready to build strength, age vibrantly, and stop wondering if eating another block of tofu is the answer to everything—this post is for you.

You don’t need more rules.You need real talk, smart nutrition, and a backup plan for busy days.

Let’s decode the muscle-building alphabet soup together.

Here’s what we’re covering:

✅ What EAAs and BCAAs actually are

✅ Why they matter more after 50 (especially if you're vegan)

✅ How to get enough of them without obsessing over protein or living on soy

✅ The "insurance policy" I use daily: Super Aminos 23 by Purium

First Up: What the Heck Are EAAs?

Let’s keep this simple.

EAAs = Essential Amino Acids.There are nine of them. Your body can’t make them on its own. So, you’ve got to get them from food—or a supplement that works.

They’re essential for:

Building and preserving lean muscle
Supporting hormones and metabolism
Helping your body recover from workouts and daily life

Here’s the kicker: After 50, your body becomes less efficient at processing protein. That means you need to be more intentional about getting these amino acids—not less.

Think of EAAs like the non-negotiable ingredients in your favorite dish. Leave one out? The results flop.

And we’re not here for floppy.

What About BCAAs?

BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids—just three of the nine EAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They're famous in fitness circles for muscle repair and performance.

They’re important, sure. But here’s the real deal:

BCAAs without the full set of EAAs? Like bringing tools to a job site with no blueprint.

You won’t build much.

If you’re active and plant-based and want results, don’t settle for just a few amino acids. You want the full crew showing up for your muscles.

Can You Get Enough EAAs on a Vegan Diet?

Short answer: Absolutely. Longer answer: It takes intention, not perfection.

The good news? You don’t need to worry about “protein combining” at every meal. Your body’s smarter than that. As long as you're eating a variety of plant-based protein sources throughout the day (or even the week), your body will gather what it needs.

Let’s reframe it:

Think diversity, not “perfectly paired meals.” Think plants on rotation, not protein panic.

Here are powerhouse plant sources that bring amino acid goodness:

⭐️ Tempeh

⭐️Lentils

⭐️ Quinoa

⭐️Edamame

⭐️Sunflower seeds

⭐️Pumpkin seeds

⭐️Whole grains

⭐️Hemp and chia seeds

⭐️Chickpeas

⭐️Tofu (still welcome!)

When you eat widely and intentionally, your body builds its own amino acid puzzle with ease. There’s no need to stress about getting it all in one meal—or even one day.

But you do need variety. Tofu alone won’t cut it (and let’s be honest, you don’t want to eat tofu three times a day anyway).

My Secret Weapon: Super Aminos 23 from Purium

Now here’s where I get personal. Because no matter how much I love my lentils and power bowls, I’m also a busy, active woman over 50 who’s not trying to calculate amino acid charts every day.

That’s where Super Aminos 23 from Purium comes in.

These are pre-digested essential amino acids in tablet form that absorb in about 23 minutes—no shakes, no bloat, no weird texture. I take them daily as backup, especially when I’m:

Traveling
Going out to eat
Skipping meals (yep, life happens)
Strength training more than usual
Just feeling like I need a little protein boost

They help me retain muscle, support my metabolism, and feel strong—not sluggish. And if you’ve ever struggled to hit your protein goals on a vegan diet (especially without resorting to soy or synthetic powders), this is the product I recommend.

👉 Learn more about Super Aminos 23 here

Here's How to Make It Work for YOU

Let’s simplify this. You don’t need a whiteboard full of macros. You need a strategy that fits real life.

Here’s what to focus on:

Ditch perfection—aim for intentional variety
Keep plant proteins on rotation (see the list above!)
Don’t wait until dinner to think about protein
Supplement smart—Super Aminos 23 is your backup on busy days
Strength train regularly. Muscle is your power source for aging well.

🧘 Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Thrive

If you're over 50, plant-based, and focused on longevity, strength, and energy—EAAs and BCAAs aren’t optional. They’re part of the strategy that helps you feel your best now and 10 years from now.

This isn’t about obsessing over protein combining. It’s about being intentional, not perfect—and giving your body what it needs to do the incredible things you want it to do.