Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and enzymes. Amino acids are found in protein rich foods like meat, dairy, fish, and beans. The protein are broken down into amino acids during digestion and then absorbed as new proteins in the body. The human body can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids. The 10 amino acids we can produce are alamine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cystiene, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. The essential amino acids are arginine (required for the young, but not adults), histidine, esoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, trytophan and valine. These amino acids must be supplied in the diet.
Amino acids have many functions in the body. They are most commonly associated with bodybuilding, in growing and repairing muscles, increasing stamina & recovery as well as increased physical & mental toughness. What most people may not know is they play a part in how we taste foods. Amino acids have a variety of tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, etc.) and how we perceive the taste of foods depends on the amount and type of amino acids present in that food. Amino acids, arginine and glutamine, enhance our immune resistance making us less likely to contract infectious disease and aid in liver function, which may even help relieve the dreaded hangover. They have also been used medically as a useful treatment of hepatic failure and nutritional improvement in renal failure patients.
Amino acids also play an important role in beauty care. They are important natural moisturizing factors. As these natural moisturizing factors are decreasing, problems such as roughness and darkish coloring of the skin will occur indicating an amino acid deficiency. Collagen, the substance that makes the skin supple, consist of various amino acids. Dry hair or hair that lacks luster indicates damage to the hair cuticles from a lack of amino acids. Amino acid also help our bodies burn fat more efficiently.
With today’s potentially imbalanced diet, it is important to replenish amino acids by taking supplements. A great way to add an amino supplement to your diet is to simply replace your soy sauce with Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. It is available in a spray bottle for easy dispensing.
For the latest amino acid supplement, check out our friends at
Remember small dietary changes can make a big difference in your overall health. Visit The Nutrition Fact’s blog and website for updated health information regularly.
THE NUTRITION FACT
HEALTH BODY FOR LIFE
