Some amino acids are called essential and some are non-essential. Some are produced by the human body, others are taken from food. What good are they to us?
Essential amino acids are those that the human body cannot produce naturally and therefore must be obtained from food. They are so called because they are essential for the synthesis of proteins, which, in turn, are necessary for building and maintaining tissues, as well as for the proper functioning of the body. Non-essential amino acids are those that can be produced by the body, even if we don’t get them from the food we eat.
There are nine amino acids considered essential, of which the body cannot synthesize sufficient amounts to meet its needs. These are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine and histidine.
Our diet must provide all the essential amino acids to ensure adequate nutrition and support the body’s physiological functions. Foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes (beans, soybeans) and some types of nuts and seeds are excellent sources of essential amino acids.
Non-essential amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine. Although they are produced by the body, they are also found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts.
1. Isoleucine
Isoleucine is the pigment that carries oxygen inside red blood cells and helps form hemoglobin. This essential amino acid plays a role in controlling blood sugar, increasing energy and improving physical endurance, supporting muscle development.
2. Leucine
It can help heal skin and bones, increase muscle mass and provide energy during exercise, and increase the production of human growth hormone. Leucine also appears to help control blood sugar.
3. Lysine
This essential amino acid can protect against the sexual transmission of the herpes virus and also prevent the recurrence of cold sores when taken together with vitamin C and bioflavonoids. In addition, it also helps to increase stress tolerance.
4. Methionine
Methionine is an antioxidant that can help protect the body from damage caused by ionizing radiation, aids in detoxification, and can help prevent fatty deposits in the liver. It also appears to reduce the risk of early baldness.
5. Phenylalanine
It can improve memory and learning ability, as well as mood and alertness. Phenylalanine may also be helpful in treating certain types of depression. It has also been used as an adjunct in the treatment of schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and obesity.
6. Threonine
Threonine serves mainly as a substrate for protein synthesis, especially mucin. It is important for the proper functioning of the immune system, for the formation of collagen, elastin and tooth enamel and contributes to the proper functioning of the liver.
7. Tryptophan
The body uses tryptophan to produce melatonin (helps regulate circadian rhythm) and serotonin (helps regulate appetite, sleep and mood). The liver can also use tryptophan to make vitamin B3.
8. Valina
Valine appears to boost the immune system and muscle growth, increasing athletic performance. This amino acid can also help treat malnutrition in people struggling with drug addiction.
9. Histidine
It is used by the body for growth, repair of damaged tissues, production of blood cells and histamine. Histidine also helps protect nerve cells. It appears that histidine supplements may help treat eczema.
Attention, people who consume enough protein do not need essential amino acid supplements! These should only be taken on doctor’s advice.
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2024-01-01 08:19:37
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