What
are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of the proteins that are found in our bodies. The human body can produce 10 of its 20 amino acids, but the other 10, which are called essential amino
acids, can only be obtained by eating the right foods. When the body doesn't get enough of these essential compounds, it will begin to break down its proteins in search of the nutrients it needs. Since the body stores fat and starch, but not amino acids, it is necessary for individuals to consume all the required essential nutrients daily.
What are the body's amino acids? They are: L-alanine, L-arginine, L- asparagines, L-aspartic
acid, L-cysteine, L-
glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, and L-valine.
What do Amino Acids Do?
Amino acids are essential to life, have a role in metabolism, and are important in nutrition. They form short polymer chains called peptides, as well as longer chains that are called polypeptides or proteins. About 75 percent of the human body is made up of chains of amino acids, which is why they are so vital to how your system functions. All the chemical reactions that occur in the body depend on amino acids and the proteins they build.
What is an Amino Acid Supplement?
A high-protein diet can provide the essential amino acids the body depends on to function. High protein foods include:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seeds
Many individuals either don't receive enough protein from the foods they eat or have a difficult time absorbing nutrients, making it necessary to take an amino acid supplement. This can help ensure the body is able to carry out the processes that are essential for survival and can also help to support hair and nail growth, muscle recovery, bone and tissue reproduction, and an overall healthy wellbeing.
Some individuals supplement their bodies with amino acids in an effort to help combat depression and anxiety, or to help with ADD and weight
loss, while others simply want to ensure their bodies are properly nourished. Some amino acid supplements contain only one essential amino acid while others provide a combination of various amino acids. No matter which type of supplement an individual chooses to utilize, he or she should make sure it has either been formulated or approved by a team of medical professionals to ensure that it provides adequate amounts of the essential amino acids.
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