| In an effort to understand how best to utilise amino | | | | Arginine is an important amino acid, particularly for men |
| acids for supplementation, it's important to understand | | | | because 80% of seminal fluid is made from this amino |
| the biochemistry behind the way our bodies use them. | | | | acid. It's also important for optimising the function of the |
| When we eat protein, our stomach breaks it down into | | | | pituitary gland. Arginine also helps to stimulate the |
| amino acids which are directed by intestinal and | | | | production of growth hormone. |
| digestive hormones to different parts of the body to | | | | Lysine is another important amino acid. It helps to |
| serve their many functions. | | | | nourish the blood and form antibodies to illness. It also |
| There are hundreds of different variations of amino | | | | has a therapeutic effect on cold sores. |
| acid. Some are produced by the body and others may | | | | Methionine is important for the protein synthesis that |
| only be consumed through our food. They are not | | | | occurs in every cell. It's a scavenger of free radicals |
| interchangeable and all work together synergistically. | | | | that supports the regeneration of our liver and kidney |
| To maintain optimum health, you need to ensure that | | | | cells. |
| the food you consume holds complete proteins that | | | | Phenylalanine is used by the thyroid to stimulate the |
| contain all of the essential amino acids. These whole | | | | production of Thyroxine which regulates the |
| proteins are found in meat, fish, meat products like milk | | | | metabolism. |
| and eggs as well as soy. | | | | Glutamine helps to increase protein synthesis. |
| Our body uses amino acids in the normal functioning of | | | | Isolucine, Valine and Leucine are three amino acids |
| our bodily systems. As such, protein should be | | | | commonly referred to as branched chain amino acids |
| consumed throughout the day and before bed to help | | | | (BCAA). Consumed in combination, they slow the loss |
| your body function around the clock. | | | | of muscle protein during strenuous training or stress. In |
| Some athletes choose to supplement with certain | | | | isolation, Valine is important for supporting the |
| amino acids including: | | | | contraction of our muscles. |