You probably vaguely remember the term amino acids from school science lessons, and you can remember it had something to do with protein, but that's about all. Then somebody mentions essential amino acids, and you're completely flummoxed. So, what are essential amino acids, what do they do, and how important are they?
Put simply, amino acids are a sort of chemical Lego set - they build the proteins in your body. Protein is the second largest constituent of the human body - only water makes up more of your body weight. Protein is present in muscles, tendons, organs, nails and hair, and all your body cells depend on it for growth, maintenance and repair.
Of the eighty or so amino acids found in nature, around twenty are required for human growth and development. The body can manufacture around half of these amino acids, but the others must come from the diet, and these are the essential amino acids. Without them, your body just can't function, and they are mainly obtained from animal protein-based foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, fish and seafood. These are the essential amino acids, and their main functions.
Histidine
Helps repair tissues, and is needed to produce red and white blood cells. Also lowers blood pressure and guards against radiation. It's a cheeky amino acid, as it is one of the chemicals responsible for sexual arousal.
Isoleucine
Needed for haemoglobin, and keeps blood sugar and energy levels stable. Helps repair muscle, skin and bones after injury or trauma.
Leucine
Promotes healing, particularly after surgery. Helps in the production of growth hormones, and lowers blood sugar levels.
Lysine
Boosts calcium and nitrogen in the body, and helps in the formation of collagen. Also produces antibodies to fight cold sores and herpes-type viruses.
Methionine
Antioxidant which keeps hair, skin and nails healthy. Also breaks down fats, which could otherwise be deposited in veins and arteries, thus restricting blood flow. This one's a potential life saver.
Phenylalanine
Used by the brain to help send signals to the nerves. Lifts the mood, and helps memory, as well as decreasing pain. It's the amino acid equivalent of 'happy pills.'
Threonine
Maintains bodily protein balance and is needed for the formation of collagen, elastin and tooth enamel. Also aids the metabolic process.
Trytophan
A natural relaxant, anti-depressant and appetite regulator. Trytophan also boosts the immune system, so it's another 'feel good' amino acid.
Valine
Helps wth muscle co-ordination and tissue repair, as well as being a useful treatment for diseases of the liver and gall bladder.
This brief summary of the main functions of essential amino acids shows just how important they are to bodily health and wellbeing. As explained earlier, they are called 'essential' amino acids because they must come from the diet. They could also be called 'essential' because, without them, the body just cannot function normally. Essential amino acids are the body's workhorses, and they cannot be valued highly enough.