Amino Acid

Amino Acid

What are the Benefits of Amino Acids?

Amino acids form the proteins that in turn form muscle tissue and increase fat metabolism. Look in the cupboard of just about any serious athlete, and youâ€™ll likely find some kind of amino acid supplement or protein drink designed to help them increase strength, build muscle tissue, or otherwise enhance their athletic performance. However, amino acids are not just important to those who wish to â€œbulk up.â€

Amino acids are critical to our body's proper functioning. Their role includes repairing muscles, organs, nails, hair, skin, ligaments, and glands. A deficiency in even one of them will severely compromise one's health. Deficient people, however, are not the only ones who choose to supplement with amino acids; some people opt to increase their intake simply for therapeutic benefits.

Proteins are any of a group of complex organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur. Proteins are an essential substance in the diets of humans and most animals because of their constituent amino acids. A protein molecule is a long chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Many different proteins are found in the cells of living organisms, but they are all made up of the same 20 amino acids, joined together in varying combinations. Different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, each protein having a unique, genetically defined amino-acid sequence, which determines its specific shape and function. They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc.

Lysine synthesizes protein to be used for growth and repair of muscles. Lysine allows for better absorption of calcium and so may help prevent osteoporosis. With the addition of vitamin C, lysine is involved in the development of collagen in connective tissues, skin, cartilage and bone. Lysine lowers high serum triglyceride levels.Lysine promotes the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Lysine may prevent or at least treat the onset of cold sores (herpes type 1). Lysine may also be helpful in fighting some cases of genital herpes.

Lipotropic agent, reduces fat and protects the kidney, aids in lowering cholesterol, natural chelating agent for heavy metals. Aids in producing beautiful skin.

Unless you have a specific health condition it is best to take in a balanced range of essential and non-essential amino acids in a multi nutrient heal supplement designed by a bio-scientist. Then you can be sure that the dose amounts are safe.

Whey protein is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine is important for athletes as it plays a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Research has shown that individuals who exercise benefit from diets high in leucine and have more lean muscle tissue and less body fat compared to individuals whose diet contains lower levels of leucine. Whey protein isolate has approximately 50% more leucine than soy protein isolate.

L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide which aids in the relaxation of blood vessels. The effect is better blood circulation in the body and especially in the extremities (eg. genitalia). For this reason L-arginine helps in stimulating and maintaining erection (at least in males). Men with erectile dysfunction may benefit from intake of L-arginine rich foods or l-arginine supplement. L-arginine is a major component of ejaculate (seminal fluid and sperm) and there fore it is important for maintaining healthy ejaculate volume.