What are Essential Amino Acids?

The human body can manufacture only a portionSo what do amino acids do? Amino acids help to
of the 22 different types of carbohydrate andbuild DNA and RNA, cells and repair tissue. They
nitrogen containing amino acids that are requiredhelp to combat infections brought on by viruses
for a healthy body. The rest have to come fromand bacteria and they carry oxygen throughout
food sources.the body. Phenylalanine is used by the brain to
Eight of the ten that come from food sourcesproduce norepinephrine which reduces depression,
are essential amino acids. Two are only essential inpromotes alertness and reduces hunger pangs.
young children. Phenylalanine, valine, tryptophan,Valine promotes calmness, mental stimulation and
threonine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine, leucine,muscle coordination. Tryptophan reduces anxiety,
histidine and arginine are the 10 amino acids thatpromotes healthy sleep patterns and in
come from food sources. Histidine and arginine areconjunction with lysine reduces cholesterol levels.
the two that are essential in children.Threonine promotes healthy levels of collagen and
Essential amino acids can be found in meats andelastin in the skin. It also works to keep fat build
poultry, fish, eggs and dairy such as cheese andup down in the liver. Isoleucine and leucine keep
milk as well as in many plant sources such asyou alert and help to build energy. Methionine
grains and legumes. Lysine and tryptophan thatpromotes healthy hair, skin and nails. Lysine helps
well known thanksgiving sleep inducer are poorlyto absorb calcium. Histidine is an essential part of
represented in plants. Strict vegetarians should behemoglobin. Arginine is essential in muscle growth
wise to this fact and ensure that they are gettingand tissue repair.
a proper balance of amino acids in their diet.