Amino Acid Basics

• Building blocks of proteins.

• Responsible for the production of enzymes.

• Used to build cells and repair muscles, organ, hair, nails, skin or any part of your body.

• Preventing diseases and health problems.

Amino acids are not stored in the body for later use like in the case of fats and complex carbohydrates and 8 of these amino acids can not be produced by your body and you need to have them in your food. These are essential amino acids and you have to have them every day, as the deficiency could lead to not only protein degradation and muscle loss but also certain diseases such as strokes, high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Valine for tissue repair, muscle metabolism and the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in your body.

Lysine is found in dairy, fish and whole grains and beneficial in treating and preventing herpes.

Leucine is found in cottage cheese, sesame seeds, peanuts, dry lentils, chicken and fish. Insulin deficiency is known to result in poor utilization of leucine; therefore, individuals who suffer from glucose intolerance may require higher levels of leucine intake.

Phenylalanine may help reduce chronic pain associated with certain health conditions by stimulating nerve pathways in the brain that control pain. It may improve rigidity, walking disabilities, speech difficulties and depression associated with Parkinson's disease. Phenylalanine sources are dairy, almonds, avocados, lima beans, peanuts, and seeds.

*Before we continue with the types of amino acids, I'd like to tell you about a healthy diet program that uses a lot of the foods with low to medium glycemic index values: Isabel de los Rios' 'The Diet Solution Program'.

The Diet Solution Program favours a long term health orientated approach to fat loss, but not offering anyone a quick fix to their weight troubles. It has loads of valuable data and research to support its approach. I personally investigated the program thoroughly and my mum has been using it for a while now. I have to say she got some great results.

The nutrition plan is one of the healthiest we have seen, a strong core focus on vegetables, fruits, vitamin dense foods, lean proteins, select dairy produce and a clear approach to not expecting one diet to work for all body types. So give it a go and let me know how you went. 'The Diet Solution Program' is without a doubt one of the best diet programs out there.*

Dietary sources of threonine include dairy, beef, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds. Without enough threonine in the body, fats could build up in the liver and ultimately cause liver failure. Threonine supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies, and because it is found largely in the central nervous system, may be helpful in treating some types of depression.

Isoleucine promotes muscle recovery after physical exercise and on its own it is needed for the formation of hemoglobin as well as assisting with regulation of blood sugar levels as well as energy levels. It is also involved in blood-clot formation.Isoleucine is found in eggs, fish, lentils, poultry, beef, seeds, soy, wheat, almonds and dairy.

Methionine helps the body process and eliminate fat, it is essential for the formation of healthy collagen used to form skin, nails, and connective tissue, and helps reduce the level of inflammatory histamines in the body. It is found in fish, whole grains, and dairy.

Amino Acid Supplements:

• You need all the essential amino acids in the right amounts.

• Amino acids work best when all of essential and non-essential ones are provided to the body.

• Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C are the vitamins needed for amino acid metabolism and to help with the absorption of amino acids. Include these vitamins with your amino acid supplements.

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