Amino Acids
Protein is needed by every living organism and next to water makes up the biggest proportion of our body weight. The protein used in making up our bodies is not directly taken from our diet but the protein that we ingest is broken down into amino acids and then the body re-constitutes these amino acids into the specific proteins required throughout the body. Enzymes and hormones that regulate all our bodily functions are also protein and amino acids are used in regulating the body and brain functions. They also make sure that all the other nutrients that we take in are activated and used as efficiently as possible.
The liver manufactures the majority of the amino acids but we do take in about 20% from our food. These taken from food are called Essential Fatty acids. Some of the two types of Amino acid are detailed below.
ARGININE:
Arginine is an essential amino acid that aids in liver detoxification and is helpful in liver disorders. It may help to reduce tumours and cancer. It may also assist in elevating the sperm count in males. The body uses Arginine during periods of growth and protein synthesis. It is helpful during trauma or with kidney conditions. It can stimulate growth hormones and detoxifies ammonia from the body. Arginine is required during the manufacturing of substances such as haemoglobin and insulin. This is an amino acid produced by the liver.
CYSTEINE:
Cysteine is an amino acid made in the body. It is important because it maintains the proper configuration of both structural proteins and enzymes. It contains sulphur that is formed in the liver and is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from chemicals, heavy metals, and smoke pollution. It has been shown that it may stimulate the immune system, help burn fat, aid in tissue healing, and aid muscle growth. Another Liver amino acid.
GLUTAMINE:
Glutamine is found in high concentrations in the human brain where it is converted to glutamic acid. Taken in modest amounts, Glutamine can substantially increase your production of growth hormone. It may help with mental alertness and clarity, decrease sugar cravings. Is being studied in connection with mental disorders such as senility and schizophrenia. It maintains a healthy digestive tract and may help with people suffering from alcoholism. Produced by the liver.
CARNITINE:
Carnitine is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methione and is needed to release energy from fat. It transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells.
It may promote normal growth and development and treat some forms of cardiovascular problems. Studies have been carried out with athletes and there are some indications that it protects against muscle problems and helps build muscle. It may also protect against liver disorders and diabetes. It is manufactured in the liver.
LYSINE:
Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain nitrogen levels and calcium absorption. It is often taken during a breakout of the herpes virus, either oral or genital. It helps produce enzymes, antibodies and hormones and helps repair tissue. This amino acid also is important when recovering from an operation. It also helps build strong muscles, collagen, bone and cartilage. This amino acid comes from dietary sources are high proteins such as beef, cheese, chicken, lamb, milk, and beans.
PHENYLALINE:
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and is the precursor of tyrosine. This is an important amino acid. It produces neurotransmitters in the brain to produce norepinephrine and it assists in learning, memory, clarity and elevates the mood. Therefore, it may aid in the treatment of depression.
It should not be taken by anyone suffering from high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, cancer or anyone taking MAO inhibitors. Women who are pregnant or lactating should also avoid using Phenylalanine.
Taken from dietary sources and found in most foods but it is highest in those that are high in protein such as dairy products and meats.
TAURINE:
Taurine is an essential amino acid that is found in the body, but mainly in the skeletal muscle, heart muscle, brain and central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Taurine also aids in the digestive processes including bile. A liver produced Amino Acid.
TRYPTOPHAN:
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is the lowest in terms of levels needed by the body. It is responsible for normal sleep patterns. Vitamin B6 is needed for the formation of tryptophan, which affects serotonin levels. These serotonin levels influence sleep and mood. Best food sources are Turkey, Chicken, fish, bananas, yoghurt, pineapple and cheese.
TYROSINE:
Tyrosine is used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin. Thyroxin is a hormone that helps regulate growth, healthy skin, our metabolic rate and our mental health. Low levels of tyrosine have been connected with hypothyroidism. Tyrosine is used in our body to make epinephrine and dopamine. It reduces body fat and is an appetite suppressant.
It should not be taken in supplement form by people with high blood pressure, skin cancer and those who are using MAO inhibitors. Manufactured in the liver.
Essential Fatty Acids (Efas)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesise and must be obtained through diet. There are two families of EFAs Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-9 is necessary but non-essential as the body can make it if the other two fatty acids are present.
EFAs are essential because they support our cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems. We need these fats to manufacture and repair cells, maintain hormone levels and expel waste from the body. They are part of the process that regulates blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility and conception – and they also help regulate inflammation and stimulate the body to fight infection.
Omega-3 (Linolenic Acid) is the principal Omega-3 fatty acid and is used in the formation of cell walls, improving circulation and oxygen. A deficiency can lead to decreased immune system function; elevated levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) high blood pressure and irregular heart beat. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps prevent heart disease. It is found in flaxseed, walnuts, pumpkinseeds, avocados, spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, sardines, tuna and salmon.
Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 can improve rheumatoid arthritis, lower blood cholesterol, PMS, skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Found in flaxseeds, pumpkinseeds, olive oil, evening primrose oil, chicken and poultry, salmon.
There is growing evidence that the non-essential Oleic acid, Omega9, may help to lower cholesterol by decreasing the unhealthy cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), while at the same time raising the level of healthy cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein).
Oleic acid is also emerging as a regulator of blood-sugar levels and as a possible protection against breast and prostate cancer. So, including half an avocado in your diet every day may well protect you from the harmful long-term affects of a number of diseases. Found in olive oil, olives, avocados, almonds, and walnuts.
A closer look at why efas are so essential
First and foremost EFAs provide us with energy but unlike saturated fats their effect is beneficial. The body cannot manufacture them and that is why it is ESSENTIAL to include them on a daily basis in your diet.
Both of the important EFA families - omega-6 and omega-3 - are components of nerve cells and cellular membranes. They are converted by the body into hormone like messengers such as prostaglandins - which are needed on a second-by-second basis by most tissue activities in the body.
EFAs are involved in:
- Regulating pressure in the eye, joints, and blood vessels.
- Dilating or constricting blood vessels
- Directing endocrine hormones to specific cells
- Regulating smooth muscle reflexes
- Being the main constituent of cell membranes
- Regulating the rate of cell division
- Regulating the inflow and outflow of substances to and from cells
- Transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues
- Maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance
- Keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
- Preventing blood cells from clumping together (blood clots that can be a cause of heart attack and stroke)
- Minimising the release of inflammatory substances from cells that may trigger allergic conditions
- Regulating nerve transmission and communication
If the diet is deficient in either omega-6 or omega-3 long-term degenerative illnesses can result such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
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