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Published by The Herb School |
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They are popularly called "building blocks," the chemical units that make up protein. The fact that they are about 16% nitrogen, is what distinguishes them from the two other basic nutrients; sugars and fatty acids. To understand amino acids you must understand proteins and how essential they are to life. Proteins Proteins provide structure for all living things. They are a necessary part of every living cell in the body. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight. Protein substances make up: muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, and many vital body fluids, and are essential for the growth of bones. The enzymes and hormones that catalyze and regulate all bodily processes are proteins. Proteins help regulate the body's water balance and maintain proper pH. The genetic "code" contained in each cell's DNA is actually information for how to make that cell's proteins. Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together by what are called peptide bonds. Each individual type of protein is composed of a specific group of amino acids in a specific chemical arrangement. Each protein in the body is tailored for a specific need; proteins are not interchangeable. Proteins that make up the human body are not obtained directly from the diet. dietary protein is broken down into its constituent amino acids, which the body then uses to build the specific proteins it needs. It is the amino acids rather than protein that are the essential nutrients. Functions Some amino acids act as neurotransmitters or as precursors of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry information from one nerve cell to another. This makes certain amino acids necessary for the brain to receive and send messages. Unlike many other substances, neurotransmitters are able to pass though the blood-brain barrier. They are able to be used by the brain to communicate with nerve cells elsewhere in the body. Even if vitamins and minerals are absorbed and assimilated by the body, they cannot be effective unless the necessary amino acids are present. There are approximately 28 commonly known amino acids that are combined in various ways to create the hundreds of different types of proteins present in all living things. The liver produces about 80% of the amino acids needed. The remaining 20% are called essential (because the body cannot make them, they must be obtained from food or supplements) amino acids. Essential amino acids are: histidine isoleucine leucine lysine methionine phenylalanine threonine tryptophan valine Nonessential amino acids are: arginine asparagine aspartic acid alanine citrulline cysteine glutamic acid glutamine gamma-amiobutric acid gluycine ornithine prolineserine taurine tyrosine Nonessential does not mean they are not necessary, only that they need not be obtained through the diet because the body can manufacture them as needed. |
