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The
Amino Acid Link
Meal plan examples
Click Here
There
are 20 known amino acids
that make up proteins, 8 of which are essential (cannot be manufactured by
the human body). Proteins are necessary for hormone production and
regulation, comprising the genetic make-up that creates our RNA/DNA
structure … but amino’s do so much more! Amino’s build cells, repair
tissue damage and form antibodies.
Results from new clinical studies are showing the vital importance of amino
acids in the body to assist us in combating the major diseases that have
taken the forefront in today’s medical research. More than just a
fancy buzz word in sports fitness circles for the building of lean muscle
mass, amino acids are a key component for our overall good health. In
fact, human life cannot be sustained without them.
The following
are just a few of the identified amino acids and how they work in our
bodies:
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Isoleucine & Leucine
(essential)
– these two amino’s provide ingredients for the manufacturing of other
biochemical compounds in the body, some being utilized for energy
production, stimulants to the upper brain and assists in being alert.
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Tyrosine (non-essential)
– transmits impulses to the brain, helps overcome depression, improves
memory, increases mental alertness, promotes healthy thyroid/adrenal/
pituitary gland functioning.
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Lysine (essential)
– insures adequate absorption of calcium, helps form collagen, aids in
production of antibodies/hormones/enzymes. Lysine is a highly effective
fighter against the herpes virus (cold sores, etc). |
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Arginine (semi-essential)
– required to
synthesize nitric oxide (substance needed for expansion/contraction of
heartbeat), assists circulation of blood vessels especially in extremities
(legs & arms), assists in wound healing, release of insulin in pancreas,
promotes good muscle metabolism and body fat reduction, promotes healthy
immune system and release of natural growth hormone from pituitary gland.
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Phenylalanine (essential) – used by the brain to produce
Norepinephrine (a chemical transmitting signals between nerve cells and
brain), keeps you awake/alert, reduces hunger pains, functions as
anti-depressant and helps improve memory.
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Carnitine (non-essential)
–
nourishes the heart, nourishes and strengthens muscles, and nutritionally
supports the circulatory system, considered to be a "carrier" of fat to
the mitochondria or "fatburning" area of the cell, this remarkable amino
acid-like substance is not only necessary for the metabolism of fat at the
cellular level; it is also essential in the forming of firm, lean muscle
tissue in the body.
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Tryptophan (essential)
– a natural relaxant, alleviates insomnia by inducing normal sleep,
reduces anxiety and depression, helps in the treatment of migraine
headaches, helps the immune system, works with Lysine in reducing
cholesterol levels.
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Glycine (non-essential)
– used to inhibit the neurotransmitters in central nervous system (helps
provide those steady nerves!), works with other amino acids to develop
proteins, particularly the nervous system, assists in triggering the
release of oxygen.
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Valine (essential)
– Promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calm emotions.
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*ANR’s
Reference Guide for Amino Acids
& Washington University's Institute of Biomedical Computing's Introduction
of Amino Acids
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