Amino Acids are a group of organic molecules that are the basic element or component of proteins. Commonly referred to as the building blocks of proteins, these amino acids join together to form proteins and it is the order of these amino acids in proteins that defines the working of the genetic code or DNA. The proteins further act as the functional components of cells.
Amino Acids exist in twenty different natural forms, all necessary for human growth and function. They act as intermediates in metabolism. Of the twenty two Amino acids, humans can produce only ten as they do not have all the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of all of the amino acids. The rest must come from food. If the body does not receive the necessary amount of all ten important amino acids, it suffers severe muscle degradation. Also, amino acids do not get stored in the body like fat and starch do. A daily supply of the same is necessary!
The human body is capable of producing these ten Amino acids: alanine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. The amino acids essentially required include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
The power of Amino Acids is reflected in the following crucial roles they play in the healthy functioning of the human body. Amino Acids
- Build cells and repair tissues;
- Form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses;
- Form an integral part of the enzyme and hormonal system;
- Build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA);
- Are oxygen carriers for the entire body;
- Are parts of all muscular activity,
Amino Acid deficiency symptoms are weak immune system, loss of antibody production, fatigue, stomach acid/alkaline imbalance, dizziness/nausea, water retention, and infertility.
Amino Acids are found in a variety of foods, such as meat, milk, cheese, egg, whole grains, rice, corn, beans, legumes, oatmeal, peas, and peanut butter. Vegetarians must eat a variety of foods available to them in order to get enough protein. All the amino acids can be obtained from dried beans (black, kidney, northern, red, and white beans, peas, soy, nuts, and seeds.
Hence, the amazing efficacy of Amino Acids lies in the fact that their adequate intake is vital for healthy muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and most body fluids. Moreover, the central nervous system cannot function optimally in the absence of amino acids. The power of Amino Acids needs no further exposition!