What are amino acids? Why should I actually take them?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are about 20 amino acids in the protein you consume and in the proteins within the body, they link together to form larger protein molecules. Of all the 20 amino acids, your body can produce 11 of them. The other 9 you can only get from your diet. Without these essential amino acids you can not create all of the proteins your body needs for optional good health.
What are the 20 amino acids and their benefits?
Alanine is an important source of energy for muscles and central nervous system, strengthens the immune system, helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids, and displays a cholesterol-reducing effect in animals.
Arginine is a complex amino acid, often found at active site in proteins and enzymes due to its amine-containing side chain. This amino acid may prevent or treat heart and circulatory diseases, combat fatigue, and stimulate the immune system. It also boosts production of nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels, and treating angina and other cardiovascular problems. It is also an important intermediate in the urea cycle and in detoxification of nitrogenous wastes.
A non-essential amino acid that is involved in the metabolic control of cell functions in nerve and brain tissue. Asparagine is a nontoxic carrier of residual ammonia to be eliminated from the body. Asparagine acts as diuretic.
Aspartic Acid is a non-essential amino acid in humans, Aspartic Acid has an overall negative charge and plays an important role in the synthesis of other amino acids and in the citric acid and urea cycles.
Cysteine is important for protein synthesis, detoxification, and diverse metabolic functions. Found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails, skin, and hair, Cysteine is important in collagen production, as well as skin elasticity and texture.
Glutamic Acid
It is one of the important amino acid among all 20 common amino acids. It is responsible for transportation of glutamate and other amino acids to the blood barrier.
Glutamine
It is synthesized from glutamic acid and ammonia. It is the principal carrier of nitrogen in the body and it is an important energy source for many cells.
Glycine
Glycine is known as the second most common among the group of amino acids. It helps transforming harmful toxic substances within the body to a non-toxic form. It is found primarily in gelatin and silk fibroin and used therapeutically as a nutrient
Histidine is a semi-essential amino acid (children should obtain it from food) needed in humans for growth and tissue repair, Histidine is important for maintenance of myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells and is metabolized to the neurotransmitter histamine. Histamines play many roles in immunity, gastric secretion, and sexual functions. Histidine is also required for blood cell manufacture and protects tissues against damage caused by radiation and heavy metals
Isoleucine is one of nine essential amino acids in humans (present in dietary proteins), Isoleucine has diverse physiological functions, such as assisting wound healing, detoxification of nitrogenous wastes, stimulating immune function, and promoting secretion of several hormones. Necessary for hemoglobin formation and regulating blood sugar and energy levels, isoleucine is concentrated in muscle tissues in humans. Isoleucine is found especially in meats, fish, cheese, eggs, and most seeds and nuts.
Leucine is one of nine essential amino acids in humans (provided by food). It is important for protein synthesis and many metabolic functions. It also contributes to regulation of blood-sugar levels; growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue; growth hormone production; and wound healing. Leucine also prevents breakdown of muscle proteins after trauma or severe stress and may be beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria. Leucine is available in many foods and deficiency is rare
Lysine is one of nine essential amino acids in humans required for growth and tissue repair, Lysine is supplied by many foods, especially red meats, fish, and dairy products. Lysine seems to be active against herpes simplex viruses and present in many forms of diet supplements.
Methionine is one of nine essential amino acids in humans (provided by food), Methionine is required for growth and tissue repair. A sulphur-containing amino acid, methionine improves the tone and pliability of skin, hair, and strengthens nails. Involved in many detoxifying processes, sulphur provided by methionine protects cells from pollutants, slows cell aging, and is essential for absorption and bio-availability of selenium and zinc. Methionine chelates heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, aiding their excretion. It also acts as a lipotropic agent and prevents excess fat buildup in the liver.
Phenylalaine
This amino acid profoundly affects brain cells at biochemical level. Good sources of phenylalanine are eggs, chicken, liver, beef, milk, and soybeans.
Proline is a cyclic, nonessential amino acid (actually, an imino acid) in humans (synthesized from glutamic acid and other amino acids), Proline is a constituent of many proteins. Found in high concentrations in collagen, proline constitutes almost a third of the residues. Collagen is the main supportive protein of skin, tendons, bones, and connective tissue and promotes their health and healing.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid in humans (synthesized by the body), Serine is present and functionally important in many proteins. With an alcohol group, serine is needed for the metabolism of fats, fatty acids, and cell membranes; muscle growth; and a healthy immune system. It also plays a major role in pyrimidine, purine, creatine, and porphyrin biosynthetic pathways. Serine is also found at the active site of the serine protease enzyme class that includes trypsin and chymotrypsin.
Threonine is an essential amino acid in humans (provided by food), Threonine is an important residue of many proteins, such as tooth enamel, collagen, and elastin. An important amino acid for the nervous system, threonine also plays an important role in porphyrin and fat metabolism and prevents fat buildup in the liver. Useful with intestinal disorders and indigestion, threonine has also been used to alleviate anxiety and mild depression.
An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for NITROGEN balance in adults. It is a precursor of INDOLE ALKALOIDS in plants. It is a precursor of SEROTONIN (hence its use as an antidepressant and sleep aid).
Tyrosine
This is crucial in building link between dopamine and norepinephrine. It also reduces fat by suppressing appetite.
A branched-chain essential amino acid that has stimulant activity. It promotes muscle growth and tissue repair. It is a precursor in the penicillin biosynthetic pathway.
What are the 9 essential amino acids?
The 9 essential amino acids that you must obtain through your diet are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
The best sources of essential amino acids are animal proteins like meat, eggs, and poultry. When you eat protein, it’s broken down into amino acids, which are then used to help your body with various processes such as building muscle and regulating immune function. Amino acids can also be taken as a supplement. There are many options available, and we have tried several. Our favorite and the one we currently use is Purium Super Amino 23.
Purium Super Amino 23 is pre-digested 100% vegetarian protein that has been featured in the Physician’s Desk Reference and is comprised of specially fermented non-soy legumes. 99% of the amino acids get utilized in 23 minutes or less, creating bigger muscles and more power for your workouts. As you can see, the product is clean and vegan. No food coloring added, no additional fillers.
We consume amino acids, pre-workout and post-workout. They are critical for our muscle growth and energy. They are used directly by the muscles for fuel during exercise.
Ingredients: L – Leucine, L- Lysine Acetate, L – Valine, L – lsoleucine, L – Phenylalanine, L – Threonine, L – Methionine, L – Tryptophan.
SAVE $50 BY USING PROMO CODE HEALTHYFITCOUPLE
No Comments