Amino acids are commonly referred to as "building blocks" of the body. Proteins, which make up our muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair, are composed of these chemical compounds. Amino acids contribute to the healthy functioning of the nervous system, muscular structure, hormone production, and vital organs, and are necessary for the growth, repair and maintenance of cells in the body.
There are two types of amino acids. Essential amino acids must come from the diet as the body cannot make its own. These include arginine (necessary for children, but not for adults), histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. The body does not store excess amino acids as it does with fats and starches, so essential amino acids need to be part of a person's daily diet. Non-essential acids are those which the body can manufacture from other sources.
No comments:
Post a Comment