Home Talk Live Lori Contests Nutrition Homegrown Training Galleries Muscle Scoop Die Welt About Us		The Importance of Amino Acids How often have you gone to a health food store or visited a supplement web site only to be overwhelmed by the products on sale promising rapid weight loss and muscle gain through Amino Acids supplementation? Then again, the jingle-jangle in your pockets may have you put off the idea, but being well educated about amino acids can help improve muscle development, increase metabolism, help resist allergic reactions, and even increase sperm count! First a little biochemistry lesson! Amino acids can best be described as the construction blocks from which protein is made. Just as in a child's construction kit, the pieces come in different shapes and sizes and yet fit together to make something recognizable. The more than 20 amino acids each have unique characteristics, and yet are capable of being fitted together into an almost limitless variety of proteins. Amino acids have a direct interaction with vitamins and minerals. Amino acids enable vitamins and minerals to perform their specific jobs in the body properly. Even if the body absorbs vitamins and minerals, they cannot be effective unless the necessary amino acids are present. Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids The human body alone contains over 50,000 different forms of protein. The total presence of amino acids in the body represents fully three quarters of the body's dry weight (this is excluding the water content). Amino acids are categorized as either "essential" or "non-essential." When protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) the rest are non-essential (can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition). TRYPTOPHAN (Essential Amino Acid) A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety & depression; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the immune system; helps reduce the risk of artery & heart spasms; works with Lysine in reducing cholesterol levels. LYSINE (Essential Amino Acid) Insures the adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen (which makes up bone cartilage & connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies, hormones & enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against Herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, and hair loss, anemia & reproductive problems. METHIONINE (Essential Amino Acid) A principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. PHENYLALANINE (Essential Amino Acid) Used by the brain to produce Nor epinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain; keeps you awake & alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant and helps improve memory. THREONINE (Essential Amino Acid) Is an important constituent of collagen, elastin, and enamel protein; helps prevents fat build-up in the liver; helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly; assists metabolism and assimilation. VALINE (Essential Amino Acid) Promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calm emotions. LEUCINE & ISOLEUCINE (Essential Amino Acids) These provide ingredients for the manufacturing of other essential biochemical components in the body, some of which are utilized for the production of energy, stimulants to the upper brain and helping you to be more alert. ARGININE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Studies have shown that Arginine has improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses & tumor cells; promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver; causes the release of growth hormones; and is considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. TYROSINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) 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. GLYCINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Helps trigger the release of oxygen to the energy requiring cell-making process; important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system. SERINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) 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. Serine has also been used as a natural moisturizer in skin creams. Serine is readily found in meats and dairy products, wheat gluten, peanuts, and soy products, many foods that can cause allergy. GLUTAMIC ACID (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Considered to be nature's "Brain food" by improving mental capacities; helps speed the healing of ulcers; gives a "lift" from fatigue; helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia and the craving for sugar, Parkinson's, mental retardation, and muscular dystrophy. ASPARTIC ACID (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Aids in the expulsion of harmful ammonia from the body. When ammonia enters the circulatory system it acts as a highly toxic substance, which can be harmful to the central nervous system. Aspartic acid has been found in increased levels in people with epilepsy and in decreased amounts in some cases of depression. Recent studies have shown that Aspartic Acid may increase resistance to fatigue and increase endurance. TAURINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) helps stabilize the excitability of membranes, which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take place in the aging process; aids in the clearing of free radical wastes. CYSTINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free radicals, neutralize toxins; aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of the skin, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine. HISTIDINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Is found abundantly in hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency can cause poor hearing. PROLINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) is extremely important for the proper functioning of joints and tendons; also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles. Helps in repair after injury, or for any type of wound healing. It is found readily in dairy products and eggs, with some found in meats or wheat germ. ALANINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) is 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 organic acids. Alanine is found readily in protein foods, including beef, pork, turkey, and cheese as well as wheat germ, oats, yogurt, and avocado. Everyone benefits from amino acid supplementation including whether you are vegetarians, a person with allergies, stress-related fatigue, or hypoglycemia. Trouble digesting food could be a signal of a diminishment in the production of digestive enzymes. This could lead to poor nutrition because one's body cannot digest food at full capacity. In essence, one's body needs amino acids in order to get amino acids from food. You may ask yourself, "Is it really necessary for me to take amino acids supplements? Here at Femalemuscle.com we tell you yes! Sources: http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Fitness/amino-chart.htm http://www.realtime.net/anr/aminoacd.html Copyright 2003 Femalemuscle.com. All rights reserved.