Learn About Amino Acids

Amino acids are most commonly known as the building blocks of protein. They are one of the most effective and useful supplements used by many for all of the positive effects they have on the human body. Amino acids are found in protein-loaded sources like meat, fish, dairy and vegetables such as legumes, peas and grains. There are numerous kinds of amino acid supplements on the market currently. With the market being so saturated with many different kinds of amino acid supplements, it is often hard for the consumer to know which kind to take. As consumers, you’ll need to know what amino acids are all about.

In general, just about anyone could pretty much benefit from taking an amino acid supplement. Most typically though bodybuilders, athletes, vegetarians, and individuals with allergies, stress-related fatigue and hypoglycemia benefit the most from amino acid supplementation. As a user or potential user you may be left scratching your head trying to figure out what kind of amino acid supplement may work best for you. Make note that only 8, sometime 10 (depending on who you consult) out of 20 or so amino acids are essential to the body. They are considered to be essential because the body cannot produce them naturally and must look to outside sources to have the supplied.

Those essential amino acids include:

Leucine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the body but must always be acquired from dietary sources. Leucine helps promote the healing of bones and skin and muscle tissue repair. Because the body cannot make Leucine, it is very important to maintain adequate amounts within your diet most easily attained by using dietary supplements.

Isoleucine is necessary for hemoglobin formation, stabilizing and regulating blood sugar and energy levels. Deficiencies of this essential amino acid may contribute to involuntary twitching and tremors.

Valine is helpful in muscle building. Valine has a stimulant effect and healthy growth of the human body depends on it.

Methionine is the principle supplier of sulfur, which helps improve the tone of your skin and promote growth and strength of your hair, and nails. Sulfur also protects the cells from airborne pollutants and free radicals such as smoke and smog and helps slow down the aging process.

Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that also cannot be manufactured by the human body. It insures the adequate absorption of calcium, helps form collagen and also aids in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.

Threonine is important constituent in many body proteins and is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel protein, elastin and collagen. It is also known to help the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly.

Phenylalanine comes in two forms which mirror images of each other. L-phenylalaine has nutritional value and D-phenylalanine has painkilling and depression alleviating properties.

Tryptophan is most commonly known as the Thanksgiving Day mood alleviator. But besides being known as a natural relaxant, tryptophan also helps control hyperactivity, relieve stress, suppress the appetite and enhance the release of growth hormones.

Out of those, the first 3, Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine are most often referred to as the branched chained amino acids or BCAA’s and are of particular importance due to their ability to provide the body with about 70% of its nitrogen needs. All together, any well-balanced amino acid supplement can prove to be extremely effective for those desiring to maximize their protein intake with minimal caloric cost.

Amino acids are crucial to the human body. Scientifically, the body produces over 50,000 proteins and more than 15,000 enzymes. Amino acids are not only responsible for the production of enzymes, but also for the key role they play in normalizing moods, concentration, aggression, attention and sleep. Once protein is consumed, it is broken down into amino acids. Then every individual amino acid is used to create the necessary proteins and enzymes your body needs. One of the most critical enzymes for the human body that amino acids create includes digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes break down the proteins that a person consumes and turns them into amino acids. Whew…we just about did a full 360 there, but science and research has proven that getting enough amino acids in one’s diet is an important factor in maintaining overall good nutrition.

When purchasing amino acids be sure you understand what you are getting. Try to be aware of mis-leading labels. Some manufactures beef up their label descriptions to make their products look amazing, when in all actuality they are sometimes just a tablet form of protein powder and calcium with little to no aminos. Try this simple test to establish a difference between the good and bad. Bite into a tablet. It should be bitter and nauseating. If it tastes good then throw it away because you aren’t getting amino acids! Make sure you find an amino-acid product with the essential and indispendsable aminos that you need, as well as the others you naturally produce. Amino acids are simple but effective supplements that can help double your rate of muscle growth or assist in weight loss control.