What They Are and Other Facts
The first amino acids were discovered in 1806 by two French chemists, Pierre Jean Robiquet and Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin, who found what they later named asparagine, a compound existing in asparagus. Following this discovery, other amino acids were isolated and named, including cystine, glycine, cysteine and leucine. It wasn’t until a hundred years later, in 1902, that the German chemists Franz Hofmeister and Emil Fischer first began to fully understand their importance as building blocks of protein for muscle, neurotransmitters for brain tissue, compounds for healthy blood cells – they have a hand in every part of our bodies. (2)
‘Essential’ amino acids are those required by our bodies. We get them only from outside sources such as red meat and dairy, but also from fresh fruits and veggies such as bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, okra, peas, summer squash and kale. The essential amino acids include leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, isoleucine, threonine, valine, methionine and cystine. (3)
‘Nonessential’ and ‘semi-essential’ amino acids can be produced by the body under certain conditions. These include aspartic acid, glycine, arginine, proline, asparagine, alanine, cysteine, serine, glutamine, tyrosine, carnitine and histidine. (4)
Research Update
Research into amino acids and their efficacy particularly as supplements to our diets has been ongoing for over 200 years. The most studied amino acid is tryptophan found in most vegetables and nuts. It’s essential to a wide variety of the body’s functions, including eye health, blood clotting, the nervous system, the digestive system, brain functions, the female reproductive system, aging and balding.
One recent study concluded that amino acids reduce the risk of liver cancer. Another determined that the amino acid arginine enhances the immune system. Yet another showed that glutamine, while not ‘essential’ is crucial for cell health, the healing of wounds and plays a huge role in the immune system and muscle metabolism.
Benefits
Since amino acids are the very building blocks of not only proteins but other substances and functions in the body, they truly are vitally necessary to sustaining life!
When we consider amino acids, what comes to mind first and foremost is protein. It’s true, the easiest way to gain access to protein is through meats and dairy. But vegetarians and vegans are easily able to get all the amino acids they need from plant proteins found in beans, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, artichokes, potatoes and corn to mention just a few of the veggies that are rich in protein. Fruits on the whole provide less protein and amino acids. Of note are cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, bananas and watermelon, although many other fruits contain protein in much lower quantities.
Amino acids much like enzymes quickly break down, so it’s especially important when juicing or making a smoothie to drink it as soon immediately to be sure to gain the most health benefits.
