The Whole Protein Story - Amino Acids

Amino acids are the basic building blocks used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Twenty percent of the human body is made of protein and is crucial to biological processes. Proteins provide structure to hair, muscles, organs and skin. They function as messengers, enzymes, hormones, immune cells and support the circulatory & nervous system.

The cells in our body will synthesize new proteins when required, using the amino acids produced from the digestion of proteins in our food. The proteins in the human body consists of twenty (20) Proteinogenic or "protein creating" amino acids and nine (9) of these are considered essential.

Amino acids are classified into three (3) main groups :-

• Essential - these cannot be synthesized by the human body
• Non-Essential - these can be synthesized by the human body even without any food
• Conditional - are synthesized under special conditions such as severe illness or stress

The nine (9) essential amino acids are :-

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

Histidine is used for developing and maintaining healthy tissues in all parts of the body. It is vital to the production of :-

• the neurotransmitter histamine
• the myelin coating of nerve cells
• both red and white blood cells

Isoleucine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Its primary functions in the human body are :-

• to increase endurance & stamina
• to regulate blood sugar & boost energy
• for recovery from intense physical activity
• to support blood clotting at wound sites

Leucine is the second BCAA - it is used in the liver, fat tissue and muscle tissue. Leucine is the only amino acid that can stimulate muscle growth. It is the most effective BCAA for preventing the deterioration of muscle since it is converted to glucose quicker than Isoleucine & Valine. Leucine supports the healing of bones, muscle tissue and skin after a traumatic injury or recovering from surgery.

Lysine increases the absorption of calcium by the intestines and eliminates its excretion by the kidneys. Lysine is required in the production of antibodies for a strong & healthy immune system. Its antiviral properties are often used to prevent outbreaks of herpes and cold sores. Lysine is also known for increasing muscle mass, lowering glucose and improving anxiety.

Methionine is known as a lipotropic, this is a chemical substance that helps the liver process lipids or fats. Methionine is the primary source of sulfur for the amino acids cysteine and taurine. It also promotes healthy hair, skin and nail growth. Sulfur increases the production of lecithin, reduces liver fat, protects the kidneys and reduces bladder irritation.

Phenylalanine is used to synthesize the three neurotransmitters - epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemical messengers of the nervous system and regulate a wide variety of processes including emotions, cognition and the perception of pain. They are responsible for chemically linking the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body.

Threonine is used to synthesize the two amino acids, glycine and serine, that are required for the production of muscle tissue, elastin and collagen. It is found in significant amounts in the heart, and keep muscles throughout the body strong & elastic. Threonine combined with Aspartic & Methionine helps the liver process fats & fatty acids.

Tryptophan is converted into serotonin by your brain and is one of the best neurotransmitters for regulating mood. Brain synthesis of serotonin is a natural relief for headaches & migraine symptoms, including sensitivity to light, indigestion and pain. Tryptophan can be further converted into melatonin, the hormone your body uses to control sleeping patterns.

Valine is the third BCAA - it transports nitrogen to various tissues in the body and removes excess nitrogen from the liver. Valine helps to decrease stress & sleeplessness, it promotes muscle growth & repair, and is an appetite suppressant. It is used in the treatment of gall bladder & liver disease, and helpful in treating liver damage due to alcohol & drug abuse. Valine is required for proper cognitive, immune and nervous system functions.

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