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AMINO ACIDS - Back
Overview
Amino Acids are the basic chemical building blocks of life,
required to build all the vital proteins, hormones and enzymes
required by all living organisms, from the smallest bacterium
to the largest mammal. Proteins are needed to perform a host
of vital functions, and can only exist when an organism has
access to amino acids that can be combined into long molecular
chains. The body is continuously at work, breaking dietary
proteins down into individual amino acids and then reassembling
these amino acids into new structures. In the human body,
amino acids are linked together to form more than 50,000 unique
proteins and 20,000 different enzymes. These proteins are
used by the body to construct muscles, bones, organs, glands,
connective tissues, nails and hair. Amino acids are also necessary
for the manufacture of protein structures required for genes,
enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and as precursors to
neurotransmitters used in the brain to receive and send messages.
Amino acids are also required to allow vitamins and minerals
to be utilized properly.
As long as the body has a reliable source of dietary proteins
containing the essential amino acids it can adequately meet
most of its needs for new protein synthesis. Conversely, if
the body is depleted or cut off from dietary sources of the
essential amino acids, protein synthesis is affected and serious
health problems can arise. Such a deficiency can occur if
one eats a diet that is low in protein or suffers from a problem
with digestion. Many other factors can influence the body’s
balance of amino acids are: environmental pollution, processed
foods, hormones and drugs from meat sources, agricultural
pesticides, and personal habits such as smoking and drinking.
Depending upon the structure, there are approximately twenty-nine
commonly known amino acids that account for the thousands
of different types of proteins present in all life forms.
Many of the amino acids required to maintain human health
can be produced in the liver from proteins found in our diet.
These non-essential aminos include: alanine, aspartic acid,
glutamic acid, glycine, proline, and serine. The remaining
aminos, called the essential amino acids, must be obtained
from outside sources. These essential amino acids include:
arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,
phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
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Amino Acids Glossary
Alanine an important source of energy for
muscle tissue, the brain, and central nervous system; strengthens
the immune system by producing antibodies; helps in the metabolism
of sugars and acids.
Arginine stimulation and stabilization of
immune system; considered crucial for optimal muscle growth
and tissue repair.
Aspartic Acid aids in the expulsion of harmful
ammonia from the body; recent studies indicate that it may
increase resistance to fatigue and provide increased endurance.
Cystine antioxidant; radical scavenging;
neutralizes toxins; aids in protein synthesis; may assist
in slowing of aging process.
Glutamic Acid helps trigger the release
of oxygen to the cell making process; critical in the manufacturing
of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.
Glycine Improved mental and physical performance;
helps control alcoholism and sugar craving.
Histidine used in treatment of allergies,
arthritis, ulcers and anemia.
Isoleucine provides building blocks for
manufacturing of essential biochemicals utilized for production
of energy and stimulation to the brain.
L-Carnitine
is not an amino acid in the strict sense (it is not used as
a neurotransmitter or in protein synthesis), however L-Carnitine
bears many resemblances to amino acids and is usually grouped
under this heading. L-Carnitine is used by the body to transport
long chain fatty acids to your cells, where they are burned
for energy. Since this fat burning is such a major source
of muscular energy, deficiencies in L-Carnitine are manifested
as low energy levels and muscular weakness. L-Carnitine deficiencies
can also appear as loss in mental acuity, angina (heart pain)
and weight gain.
L-Tyrosine
is a direct precursor to Thyroxine, a primary thyroid hormone,
as well as Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline. Thyroxine has been
found to increase metabolic rate. L-Tyrosine is a necessary
amino acid in the production of neurotransmitters including
epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. L-Tyrosine also
appears to have a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous
system. L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing
thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and
productivity. L-Tyrosine is used to treat conditions including,
fatigue, low sex drive, and low metabolism. It can also improve
endurance under stress and is effective as an appetite suppressant.
When taken properly, L-Tyrosine can assist a sluggish thyroid
and aid the dieter in losing excess, unwanted pounds.
Leucine provides building blocks for manufacturing
of essential biochemicals utilized for production of energy
and stimulation to the brain.
Lysine ensures adequate absorption of calcium;
helps form collagen (which makes up bone cartilage and connective
tissue); aids in production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.
Methionine helps prevent disorders of hair,
skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels; reduces liver
fat and protects the kidney’s; natural chelating agent
for heavy metals.
Phenylalaine used by brain to produce norepinephrine,
a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and
the brain; functions as antidepressant and helps improve memory.
Proline assists in proper functioning of
joints and tendons; helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
Serine a storage source of glucose by the
liver and muscles; helps strengthen the immune system by providing
antibodies; synthesizes fatty acid sheath around nerve fibers.
Threonine an important constituent of collagen,
elastin and enamel protein; helps prevent fat build up in
the liver; helps digestive and intestinal tracts functions
smoothly.
Tryptophan natural relaxant induces normal
sleep patterns; reduces anxiety and depression; helps the
immune system; works with Lysine in reducing cholesterol levels.
Tyrosine transmits nerve impulses to the
brain; helps overcome depression; improves memory; increases
mental alertness; promotes the healthy functioning of the
thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands.
Valine an essential protein building block;
aids muscle recovery and promotes new tissue growth related
to physical exercise
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