The Healthy Temple

Amino acids are chemical structures chained together to compose various types of proteins. There are 21 different amino acids recognized in science to have some kind of useful function, ranging from providing energy for the body to protecting against cardiovascular disease. Not one cell in the body could survive without the amino acids that proteins provide. In fact, next to water, protein is the second most abundant substance in our bodies. Read on to discover how they help your body function properly and promote health.
When we eat protein rich foods, such as meat, dairy and legumes, our bodies break down the proteins into smaller components, allowing nutrients to be absorbed across the intestinal wall. Specific proteins contain specific amino acids arranged in a specific order.
The 21 different amino acids are broken down into two very important groups - essential and nonessential.
ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS are those that you must obtain from your diet daily to keep your body in good supply.

- Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.

- Must be obtained from food daily!
- Found most commonly in these foods:
Brown rice, wheat, lentils, nuts, seeds, soy, beef, fish, eggs, pork, poultry, dairy, potatoes, mushrooms, and avocadoes

NONESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS are those that the body can produce on it’s own without your help.
- Alanine, Arginine, Asparagines, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Taurine, and Tyrosine.

- Made daily by the body, so no need to worry!
Remember, as with any new supplement, you should always consult your physician before self-treating with any substance, as it may have a negative reaction with any prescription medication or pre-existing medical condition that you may have.

Remember, as with any new supplement, you should always consult your physician before self-treating with any substance, as it may have a negative reaction with any prescription medication or pre-existing medical condition that you may have.