While most people know that amino’s are essential, they simply don’t understand what they are. Since amino acids are a crucial part of our nutritional health, they serve a specific function within the body. This pushes some as being more important and relevant to a healthy body.
Amino acids are an organic compound that is used to make proteins. It is also used to repair damaged tissue, and for the absorption of nutrients within the human body. From a an even simpler point, amino acids are the body’s building block that synthesizes proteins. These proteins are then used to repair damages, build muscle, and even break down food.
However, it should be noted that amino’s are also important for other functions within the body. Read on as we dive into the functions of each amino acid!
Essential Amino Acids
While most of the useful amino acids can be produced by the body, there are still some that cannot. They are known as essential amino acids and must be sourced externally. Hence, foods or supplements rich in essential amino’s must be consumed to ensure that you’re receiving them.
Lysin – In the case of muscle building, this amino acid plays a key role. It even aids as the body recovers from injuries and it supports other functions.
Phenylalanine — Phenylalanine is better known as the precursor to a rather non-essential known as tyrosine. It is extremely important to the functions and structures of enzymes, proteins, and it is also useful for the production of additional amino acids.
Methionine — Methionine aids with detoxification in the body and it helps to foster the proper metabolism.
Threonine — This amino acid is widely found in an abundance in meats. It is known for its role in the immune defense mechanism of cells and it promotes the growth of body’s thymus gland.
Isoleucine, leucine, valine — These are better known as the branched-chain amino. These branched-chain amino’s are great for stimulating the generation of proteins within the muscles. They’ve even been known for reducing the rate at which muscles break down. Hence, they are commonly found in most of the fitness supplements on the markets.
Tryptophan — If you’re looking to relax and regulate your sleeping patterns, tryptophan is the amino acid for you. However, it is mostly found in turkey meat.
Histidine — If the name reminds you of histamines, then you’re already one step ahead of others. Histidine is essential for the production of histamine. Histamines are typically released when the body has allergic reactions. However, it is also important for the process of cell repair.
Non-Essential Amino Acids
These acids are better known as the non-essentials and they’re easily produced by the body. Due to this, you do not need to source them from foods or supplements. However, there are still some instances where the previously mentioned essential category is needed to produce some of these.
Glycine — This amino acid is used for absorbing calcium within the body. However, it also plays a huge role in general immune system health and hormone manufacture.
Alanine — When alcohol is consumed, alanine is responsible for metabolizing it. It even helps with liver functions and regulating your cholesterol levels. Just like several others, it even boosts your immune system.
Serine — Serine is used for the growth of tissues and muscle, the creation of cell membrane and fat metabolism.
Cysteine — Collagen is produced by this amino acid. For ages this gem has been the main reason that our skin has stayed healthy and strong for so long. It is even useful in the detoxification process.
Aspartic acid — Aspartic is responsible for the formation of urea. It is also used for brain health, stamina, and nervous system health. It also works as a precursor for several other amino acids and helps with the creation of lysine, arginine, asparagine, and methionine.
Glutamic acid — These amino acids turns into glutamate. Glutamate ensures that the nerve cells within the brain receive and send information from other cells. It is believed that it is involved with memory and the learning process.
Asparagine — This amino acid helps in the production of energy and it plays a critical role within the nervous system. However, it is produced from the aspartic acid process.
Glutamine — Unlike most of the others mentioned, this is possibly the most popular. It protects the intestinal tract and the stomach. Glutamine is also responsible for cell repair and several immune functions.
Arginine — Arginine is important and it removes ammonia from within the body. It also produces nitric oxide which helps the flow of blood by opening up the veins.
Tyrosine — This amino acid is a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It is better known as the adrenal pipeline and it supports thyroid gland health. Tyrosine also produces melanin in the skin and hair.
Proline — Proline is known for its skin moisturizing effects. Several studies have illustrated that the presence of proline is essential for the skins natural moisturizing process. It also makes up a huge part of the skin’s collagen levels.
Amino acids are essential to just about every function and body part. While there are tons of non-essential amino acids, they cannot be directly controlled. Hence, several essential amino acids need to be a part of your daily diet. These come from either supplements or foods and they are very important for ensuring that your body stays healthy.