Amino acids promote the production of various neurotransmitters and enzymes critically needed in brain metabolism. Amino acids allow smooth, balanced cognition and fluid transition from thought to disciplined action. Aid in the reduction of stress, frustration and cognitive overload.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in the body, they are essential for the synthesis of structural protein, enzymes and some hormones and neurotransmitters. Amino acids also affect exercise metabolisms.
There are 20 different amino acids that are needed by the body to create the various proteins needed for body growth and repair. Of these 20, 11 are created by the body and the remaining nine, which are called “essential amino acids,” cannot be produced by the body. The nine essential amino acids therefore must come from diet. Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine are essential amino acids. The nonessential amino acids are arginine, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, carntitine, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine. All 20 amino acids are necessary for health.
Below are some of the major functions amino acids are involved in;
_ They empower vitamins and minerals to do their specific jobs correctly.
_ Some amino acids can pass through the blood-brain barrier which exists to maintain the health of the brain, the brain’s chemistry and its processes.
_ Act as neurotransmitters or precursors; some are needed to send and receive messages.
_ Aid in communication with nerve cells in other parts of the body.
Foods high in protein, such as meat and poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, are the richest dietary sources of the essential amino acids.
Daryl Conant, M.Ed
Tags: amino acids, nutrition, protein, bodybuilding, exercise, weight training,