AMINO ACIDS 

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein. The body in some cases cannot make amino acids (essential) that it needs to perform body functions therefore we must eat foods containing the amino acids that it needs and in other cases, the body can make the amino acids (non-essential) needed to perform body functions.

Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function.

TEN (10) ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

 Essential Amino Acids Are The Amino Acids That The Body Cannot Produce On Its Own.

1.   Arginine needed by infants due to the fact infants are unable to produce arginine on their own. Needed in the immune system, needed to aid in healing and to help muscles.

2.    Histidine needed by infants due to the fact infants are unable to produce histidine on their own. Needed in blood and to fight allergies.

3.      Isoleucine needed in blood vessels.

4.      Leucine needed in blood, hormones and muscles.

5.      Lysine needed to fight herpes virus and lower triglycerides.

6.      Methionine needed in hair and skin.

7.      Phenylalanine needed to help reduce depression.

8.      Threonine needed in collagen and tooth enamel.

9.      Tryptophan needed to help reduce depression.

10.  Valine needed in muscles.

TWELVE (12) NON - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

 Amino Acids That The Body Can Produce On Its Own.

1.      Alanine needed in the brain, central nervous system and muscle tissues for energy.

2.      Arginine needed in the healing of wounds, boosts the performance of the immune system and muscles.

3.      Asparagine needed in the central nervous system.

4.      Aspartic Acid needed in the brain and central nervous system.

5.      Cysteine needed in the hair and skin.

6.      Glutamic Acid needed in the brain.

7.      Glutamine needed in the brain.

8.      Glycine needed in the protein of the body.

9.   Histidine needed in the immune system to fight allergies, blood and to enhance the performance of sex.

10.  Proline needed in collagen and elastin for smooth soft skin.

11.  Serene needed in the blood to aid in blood sugar.

12.Tyrosine needed in the thyroid.

PROTEIN

A protein is a long train of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Without protein, life would be impossible. Practically every cell in the body spends considerable time and energy manufacturing various kinds of proteins.

Every imaginable part and function of the body has protein involved in some way from enzymes that are critical to the digestion of foods to the fibers that plug leaky blood vessels.

THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF PROTEIN;

1.      Build up tissues in the body.

2.      Maintain tissues in the body.

3.      Replace tissues in the body.

4.      Make hemoglobin to deliver oxygen.

5.      Make collagen which is connective tissue and gives the body its shape.

PROTEINS FORM THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF;

1.      Blood vessels.

2.      Cores of bones & teeth.

3.  Hair.

4.      Muscles.

5.      Organs.

6.   Skin.

7.      Tendons.

OTHER PROTEINS CALLED;

1.     Antibodies – important components of the immune system responsible for warding off foreign particles like bacteria and viruses.

2.      Enzymes – help generate energy in the body.

3.    Hormones – act as internal “project managers,” ensuring the body runs itself properly. Glucagons and insulin are hormones that control blood sugar.

PROTEIN FOODS ALSO CONTAIN CARBOHYDRATE(S) AND FAT(S) SUCH AS;

1.      Beans and grains are carbohydrate/ protein aka glycoproteins.

2.      Eggs, nuts and seeds are fat/protein combination.

3.      Fish are high in polyunsaturated fat which contain omega-3 fatty acids.

4.    Meat as wild game tends to be lean and contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

5.      Bacon, hot dogs and lunch meats are very low in protein, high in fat and high in salt.

Animal protein and vegetable protein probably have the same effects on health. It’s the protein package that’s likely to make a difference. A 6 ounce broiled porterhouse steak is a great source of protein in the amount of 38 grams however it also delivers 44 grams of fat (16 of them saturated).

A 6 ounce fillet of salmon is also a great source of protein in the amount of 34 grams however it only has 18 grams of fat (4 of them saturated).