Everyone knows from chemistry lessons that amino acids are the "building blocks" for building proteins. There are amino acids that our body is able to synthesize on its own, and there are those that are supplied only from the outside, along with nutrients. Consider amino acids (list), their role in the body, from which products they come to us.
The role of amino acids
Our cells constantly have a need for amino acids. Proteins of food are broken down in the intestines to amino acids. After this, amino acids are absorbed into the blood stream, where new proteins are synthesized, depending on the genetic program and the requirements of the body. The essential amino acids listed below are derived from products. Replaceable body synthesizes on its own. In addition to the fact that amino acids are the structural components of proteins, they also synthesize different substances. The role of amino acids in the body is huge. Non-proteinogenic and proteinogenic amino acids are precursors of nitrogenous bases, vitamins, hormones, peptides, alkaloids, mediators and many other significant compounds. For example, vitamin PP is synthesized from tryptophan; hormones noradrenaline, thyroxine, adrenaline - from tyrosine. Pantothenic acid is formed from the amino acid valine. Proline is a protector of cells from many stresses, such as oxidative.
General Description of Amino Acids
Proteins are called nitrogen-containing high molecular weight organic compounds that are created from amino acid residues, are connected by peptide bonds. In a different way, these are polymers in which amino acids act as monomers. The structure of the protein includes hundreds, thousands of amino acid residues joined by peptide bonds. The list of amino acids that are in nature is quite large, about three hundred of them are found. According to their ability to enter into the composition of proteins, amino acids are divided into proteinogenic (“giving birth to protein”, from the words “protein” - protein, “genesis” - to give birth) and non-proteinogenic. In a living organism, the amount of proteinogenic amino acids is relatively small, there are only twenty of them. In addition to these standard twenty, you can find modified amino acids in proteins, they are derivatives of ordinary amino acids. Nonproteinogenic ones are those that are not part of the protein. There are α, β and γ. All protein amino acids are α-amino acids, they have a characteristic structural feature that can be observed in the image below: the presence of amine and carboxyl groups, they are bonded in the α-position by a carbon atom. In addition, each amino acid has its own radical, unequal to all in structure, solubility and electric charge.
Types of Amino Acids
The list of amino acids is divided into three main types, these include:
• Essential amino acids. It is these amino acids that the body cannot synthesize itself in sufficient quantities.
• Essential amino acids. The organism can synthesize this type independently, using other sources.
• Conditionally essential amino acids. The body synthesizes them independently, but in insufficient quantities for its needs.
Essential amino acids. Product Content
Essential amino acids have the ability to get the body only from food or supplements. Their functions are simply indispensable in the formation of healthy joints, beautiful hair, and strong muscles. What foods contain this type of amino acid? The list is below:
• phenylalanine - dairy products, meat, sprouted wheat, oats;
• threonine - dairy products, eggs, meat;
• lysine - legumes, fish, poultry, sprouted wheat, dairy products, peanuts;
• valine - cereals, mushrooms, dairy products, meat;
• methionine - peanuts, vegetables, legumes, lean meat, cottage cheese;
• tryptophan - nuts, dairy products, turkey meat, seeds, eggs;
• leucine - dairy products, meat, oats, sprouted wheat;
• isoleucine - poultry, cheese, fish, sprouted wheat, seeds, nuts;
• histidine - sprouted wheat, dairy products, meat.
The functions of essential amino acids
All these "bricks" are responsible for the most important functions of the human body. A person does not think about their number, but with their lack, the work of all systems immediately begins to deteriorate.
Leucine chemical formula has the following - HO₂CCH (NH₂) CH₂CH (CH₃) ₂. In the human body, this amino acid is not synthesized. It is included in the composition of natural proteins. Used in the treatment of anemia, liver disease. Leucine (formula - HO₂CCH (NH₂) CH₂CH (CH₃) ₂) for the body per day is required in an amount of 4 to 6 grams. This amino acid is a component of many dietary supplements. As a food supplement, it is encoded by E641 (flavor enhancer). Leucine controls the level of blood glucose and leukocytes, when they increase, it connects immunity to eliminate inflammation. This amino acid plays a large role in muscle formation, bone fusion, wound healing, as well as in metabolism.
The amino acid histidine is an important element in the growth period, when recovering from injuries and illnesses. Improves blood composition, joint function. Helps the absorption of copper and zinc. With a lack of histidine, hearing is weakened, muscle tissue becomes inflamed.
The amino acid isoleucine is involved in the production of hemoglobin. Increases stamina, energy, controls blood sugar. Participates in the formation of muscle tissue. Isoleucine reduces the effects of stress factors. With its lack, feelings of anxiety, fear, anxiety arise, fatigue increases.
Amino acid valine is an incomparable source of energy, renews muscles, supports them in tone. Valine is important for the restoration of liver cells (for example, with hepatitis). With a lack of this amino acid, coordination of movements is disturbed, and skin sensitivity can also increase.
Methionine is an essential amino acid for the functioning of the liver and digestive system. It contains sulfur, which helps prevent diseases of the nails and skin, helps in hair growth. Methionine fights toxicosis in pregnant women. With its deficiency, hemoglobin decreases in the body, fat accumulates in the liver cells.
Lysine - this amino acid is an assistant in the absorption of calcium, helps in the formation and strengthening of bones. Improves hair structure, produces collagen. Lysine is an anabolic that allows you to build muscle. Participates in the prevention of viral diseases.
Threonine - increases immunity, improves the digestive tract. Participates in the process of creating collagen and elastin. It does not allow fat to be deposited in the liver. Plays a role in the formation of tooth enamel.
Tryptophan is the main responder for our emotions. The familiar hormone of happiness, serotonin, is produced precisely by tryptophan. With its norm, the mood rises, sleep normalizes, biorhythms are restored. Beneficial effect on the work of arteries and heart.
Phenylalanine is involved in the production of norepinephrine, which is responsible for the wakefulness of the body, activity and energy. It also affects the level of endorphins - hormones of joy. Phenylalanine deficiency can lead to the development of depression.
Essential amino acids. Products
These types of amino acids are produced in the body through metabolism. They are extracted from other organic substances. The body can automatically switch to create the necessary amino acids. What foods contain essential amino acids? The list is below:
• arginine - oats, nuts, corn, meat, gelatin, dairy products, sesame seeds, chocolate;
• alanine - seafood, egg whites, meat, soy, legumes, nuts, corn, brown rice;
• asparagine - fish, eggs, seafood, meat, asparagus, tomatoes, nuts;
• glycine - liver, beef, gelatin, dairy products, fish, eggs;
• Proline - fruit juices, dairy products, wheat, meat, eggs;
• taurine - milk, fish proteins; produced in the body from vitamin B6;
• glutamine - fish, meat, legumes, dairy products;
• serine - soy, wheat gluten, meat, dairy products, peanuts;
• carnitine - meat and offal, dairy, fish, red meat.
Functions of Essential Amino Acids
Glutamic acid , the chemical formula of which is C₅H₉N₁O₄, is included in proteins in living organisms, is found in some low molecular weight substances, as well as in a consolidated form. A large role is intended to participate in nitrogen metabolism. Responsible for brain activity. Glutamic acid (C₅H₉N₁O₄ formula), with prolonged exercise, goes into glucose and helps to generate energy. Glutamine plays a large role in enhancing immunity, restores muscles, creates growth hormones, and accelerates metabolic processes.
Alanine is an essential energy source for the nervous system, muscle tissue and the brain. By producing antibodies, alanine strengthens the immune system, it also participates in the metabolism of organic acids and sugars, in the liver turns into glucose. Thanks to alanine, acid-base balance is maintained.
Asparagine is an essential amino acid; its goal is to reduce the formation of ammonia at high loads. Helps to resist fatigue, converts carbohydrates into muscle energy. Stimulates immunity due to the production of antibodies and immunoglobulins. Aspartic acid balances the processes occurring in the central nervous system, it prevents excessive inhibition and excessive excitation.
Glycine is an amino acid that provides oxygen to the processes of cell formation. Glycine is necessary to normalize blood sugar and blood pressure. Participates in the breakdown of fats, in the production of hormones responsible for the immune system.
Carnitine is an important transport agent that transfers fatty acids to the mitochondrial matrix. Carnitine is able to increase the effectiveness of antioxidants, oxidizes fats, and helps to remove them from the body.
Ornithine is a producer of growth hormones. This amino acid is necessary for the functioning of the immune system and the liver, is involved in the production of insulin, in the breakdown of fatty acids, in the processes of urination.
Proline - is involved in the production of collagen, which is necessary for connective tissues and bones. Supports and strengthens the heart muscle.
Serine is a producer of cellular energy. Helps store muscle and liver glycogen. Participates in strengthening the immune system, while providing it with antibodies. Stimulates the functions of the nervous system and memory.
Taurine favorably affects the cardiovascular system. Allows you to control epileptic seizures. It plays an important role in controlling the aging process. It reduces fatigue, frees the body from free radicals, lowers cholesterol and pressure.
Conditionally Essential Amino Acids
Cysteine helps to eliminate toxic substances, takes part in the creation of muscle tissue and skin. Cysteine is a natural antioxidant that cleanses the body of chemical toxins. Stimulates the work of white blood cells. Contained in foods such as meat, fish, oats, wheat, soy.
The tyrosine amino acid helps fight stress and fatigue, reduces anxiety, improves mood and overall tone. Tyrosine has an antioxidant effect that allows you to bind free radicals. It plays an important role in the metabolism process. Contained in meat and dairy products, in fish.
Histidine helps tissues recover, promotes their growth. Contained in hemoglobin. Helps treat allergies, arthritis, anemia, and ulcers. With a deficiency of this amino acid, hearing may weaken.
Amino acids and protein
All proteins are created using peptide bonds with amino acids. Proteins themselves, or proteins, are high-molecular compounds that contain nitrogen. The concept of “protein” was first introduced back in 1838 by Berzelius. The word comes from the Greek "primary", and this means the leading place of proteins in nature. Proteins give life to all life on Earth, from bacteria to a complex human body. In nature, there are many more than all other macromolecules. Protein is the foundation of life. Proteins make up 20% of body weight, and if you take a dry cell mass, then 50%. The presence of a huge amount of proteins is explained by the existence of various amino acids. They, in turn, interact and create polymer molecules. The most outstanding property of proteins is their ability to create their own spatial structure. The chemical composition of the protein constantly contains nitrogen - approximately 16%. The development and growth of the body is completely dependent on the functions of protein amino acids. Proteins cannot be replaced by other elements. Their role in the body is extremely important.
Protein functions
The need for the presence of proteins is expressed in the following important functions of these compounds:
• Protein plays a major role in development and growth, being a building material for new cells.
• Protein controls metabolic processes during energy release. For example, if the food consisted of carbohydrates, then the metabolic rate increases by 4%, and if from proteins - then by 30%.
• Due to hydrophilicity, proteins regulate the water balance in the body.
• Improve the immune system by synthesizing antibodies, and they, in turn, eliminate the threat of disease and infection.
Protein in the body is an important source of energy and building material. It is very important to follow the menu and consume protein-containing foods daily; they will provide the necessary vital energy, strength and protection. All of the above products contain protein.