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24 Jun 2006

Getting Your Aminos ?

There are 8 amino acids which the human body cannot manufacture out of a total of 23 amino acids. In many circles it is thought that these 8 essential amino acids are only available from animal protein. This is false as all 8 are available from a plant based diet. Some plant foods contain all 8 and others a few.

Briefly here is a breakdown of those amino acids.
Tryptophan, necessary for the body to produce niacin, which helps the body produce serotonin, that acts as a calming agent in the brain, reduces aggressive behavior, assists in sleep and regulates appetite. Found in mushrooms, spinach, raw tofu, buckwheat, most nuts, bananas, mustard greens, asparagus and many other veggies.
Lysine, necessry for calcium absorption, growth and bone development in children and aids in the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Also with iron and vitamin C involved in collagen formation. Found in beans, potatoes, brewer's yeast, tomatoes, pumpkin and other veggies.
Methionine, necessary for the formation of blood proteins, globulins, and albumins. Is an antioxident and helps with the breakdown of fats. Found in beans, garlic, lentils, soybeans, onions, seeds, nuts, bananas and many vegetables.
Isoleucine, necessary for infant growth, nitrogen balance in adults and regulating blood sugar and energy levels. Found in chickpeas, lentils, almonds, cashews, rye, seeds, soy protein, bananas, avocado and many veggies.
Leucine, helps with the regulation of blood-sugar levels and it assists in the growth and repair of bones, muscle tissue and skin.
Found in corn, brown rice, beans, nuts, soy flour, whole wheat and many veggies.
Phenylalanine, necessary for brain functions like memory and learning, is a mood enhancer and controls obesity. Found in almonds, avocados, beans, peanuts, bananas, tomatoes, seeds and many veggies.
Threonine necessary for maintaining protein balance in the body and is important in the formation of collagen and elastin. Found in wheat germ, nuts, beans, papaya, banana and some vegetables.
Valine, necessary for better muscle metabolism, tissue repair, and nitrogen balance. Found in grains, mushrooms, peanuts, almonds, soy protein and root vegetables.

Foods which do contain all 8 amino acids are bananas, tomatoes, dates, carrots, corn and most nuts. Combine foods in a meal to do the same.

If you are worried for any reason that you are not eating correctly, supplements like Bragg Liquid Aminos (Non-GMO) are available or ask for help at your local health store.

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1 comment:

Hummel said...

Aminoacid Phenylalanine as mentioned here is transformed:
Phenylalanine --> Tyrosine -->L-dopa --> Dopamine - nor-epinephrine - epinephrine (adrenalin)

Dopamine is crucial!
Also look at Broad bean / Fava bean / Vicia faba as a rich source