Essential Amino Acids
- Histidine - hemoglobin component; used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic
diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency may cause hearing problems.
- Isoleucine and Leucine - mental alertness, also provides manufacturing components for other
essential biochemical components in the body, which are utilized for the production of energy and
upper brain stimulants. - Lysine - Insures adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen (component of bone,
cartilage and connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies, hormones & enzymes.
Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral
growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes,
retarded growth, hair loss, anemia & reproductive problems. - Methionine - a sulfur source, which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails. Lowers
cholesterol by increasing the liver's production of lecithin and reduces liver fat build-up. Protects
the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and
creates ammonia-free urine thereby reducing bladder irritation; promotes healthy hair growth. - Phenylalanine - allows brain to produce Norepinephrine used for the transmission of signals
between nerve cells and the brain; regulates hunger, antidepressant; improves memory and
mental alertness. - Threonine - a component of collagen, Elastin, and enamel protein; reduces liver fat build-up;
promotes proper digestive system function and metabolism. - Tryptophan - a relaxant, alleviates insomnia, prevents migraine; reduces anxiety and depression;
promotes proper immune system function. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular spasms. Works in
conjunction with Lysine to lower cholesterol levels. - Valine - Promotes mental health, muscle coordination and tempers emotions.
Other protein comes from the recycling of enzymes and other proteins. Protein is synthesized in all
tissues in the body; however, the liver and muscles are the most active. The body synthesizes about 300
grams of protein per day even though average intake is only 70 grams.
Proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient quantity to sustain life are called complete
proteins. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) is a measurement of protein's completeness. Protein is rated
according to various indices. The most common measurement being the Biological Value or BV of the
protein. The higher the BV value the more readily the protein is absorbed by the body. Eggs have the
highest BV value (100). Whey protein’s value is close to 100 while beans have a BV of 49. Ratings of
greater than 100 refer to the chemical score of an amino acid pattern in a reference protein to a test
protein and not the BV.
Meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs contain complete proteins. Incomplete proteins such as vegetables,
grains, seeds, and nuts are those which do not contain all nine essential amino acids by themselves.
However, combinations of incomplete protein foods or mutual supplementation can supply all nine
essential amino acids such as beans with rice or peanut butter on wheat bread. Therefore vegetarians can
get all the amino acids required by combining incomplete protein foods. It is not necessary to combine
proteins at the same meal as many people believe. Therefore a breakfast of one incomplete protein and a
dinner of another incomplete protein will provide the benefits of eating a complete protein.