Are you getting a sufficient amount of amino acids, either through your diet or daily nutrient regimen? What about protein? Do you know why these questions matter? In this blog, we provide the essential info on amino acids and your health. Then we look at the best particular amino acids available in concentrated form.
What Are Amino Acids?
To understand amino acids, you must understand what they are, and what they do. First, amino acids are are the molecules which physically and chemically comprise proteins (a primary macronutrient). Your body demands a wide variety of amino acids, and this is why we ought to consider them in a nutritional framework.
The human body needs about 20 different amino acids, nine of which are deemed essential for human consumption. Essential amino acids include leucine, lysine, and seven others which are vital for the formulation of crucial proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Make no mistake: all 20 amino acids are necessary, albeit in small amounts, for your body to grow and function properly. The RDA for all 9 amino acids varies between 4mg and 40mg per kilogram (2.2 Lbs.) or bodyweight per day.
Generally speaking, the majority of people get sufficient amino acid intake on a regular basis through the proteins they consume in foods. But, a wide variety of amino acids is considered necessary, and therefore a variety of protein-containing foods could only meet this requirement. This is one of the real reasons why people seek out amino acid supplements.
Taking in extra, concentrated doses of amino acids has been demonstrated to benefit people with certain needs or goals. Those on a vegetarian diet, for instance, are less likely to consume whole proteins as a result of their food choice. Individuals with athletic goals and needs have reason to choose concentrated amino acids. Further potential benefits include mood enhancement as well as other aspects of health.
Amino Acids Are Available as Supplements
Amino acids for athletic performance: blended amino acids. A supplement containing a blend of amino acids is a great choice for its ability to bolster protein actions within the body, particularly a concern for health-aware athletes. A supplement containing the three essential branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs, which are leucine, isoleucine, and valine) combined with amounts of other amino acids is best. Upping amino acid intake via blended amino acid supplement supports muscle function and strength, especially in skeletal muscle. This makes a complex amino acid supplement ideal for athletes. As part of a holistic and high-protein diet, taking amino acids in this way further enhances the body’s ability to recover well from training, and to perform better in sporting activities of choice.
L-Glutamine is an amino acid made available in powdered form. As an amino acid, glutamine targets muscle recovery and growth; it could also reduce muscle breakdown during exercise. Its benefits go beyond the muscles. Taking glutamine can also positively benefit the effectiveness of the digestive system, and it also provides benefits to the immune system.
L-arginine is one amino acid available in oral tablet form. In addition to its contribution to muscular health, l-arginine supports vascular health by enhancing the production of nitric oxide. This creates the possibility that taking l-arginine could benefit those with relatively minor cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. It could be helpful, in the context of maintaining other good health patterns.
Taurine is a natural amino acid considered conditionally essential for human consumption. This means that taurine is particularly somewhat exclusively beneficial when the body is under stress and/or illness. Supplementing with taurine could enhance insulin sensitivity and help diabetic people live better. It can also benefit the heart because it contributes to the management of blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Amino acids in supplement form can provide real benefits that meet certain needs. Muscular and athletic increases are sought-after benefits of amino acids. Benefits to cardiovascular and immune health can also be attained. For health reasons, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before trying a new amino acid supplement for the first time, making sure it is safe and feasible for your use in particular.