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Amino Acids Warm Greetings to you, I don't know about you but I couldn't wait for today in order to continue the exploration of the amino acids, here goes: Of the 23 amino acids, 8 are termed essential. These are: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threconine, Tryptophane and Valine. It is also said that a 9th amino acid, Histidine, is essential for infants. An "essential amino acid " is an amino acid that the body cannot produce by reduction ( oxidation ) from another amino acid. In other words, an essential amino acid must be found in food source an cannot be produced within the body. The remaining 15 amino acids are " non essential " but this term is somewhat misleading. They are essential to our health and well-being, but it is not essential that they be present in the food we eat ( provided that there is an adequate supply of of the essential amino acids in our diet. The following description of the amino acids include their most important functions and some of the food sources in which they are found. ALANINE- Is a factoring regulating the adrenal glands and insuring healthy skin, particularly the scalp. It is found in almonds, alfalfa sprouts, apples, apricots, avocadoes, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, lettuces, oranges, strawberries,, sweet peppers and tomatoes. ARGININE - Is used in muscle contraction and the construction of cartilage. It is essential in the functioning of the reproductive organs and in controlling the degeneration of the body cells. Arginine is found in alfalfa sprouts, beets, carrots, celery, cucumber, lettuces, parsnips, potatoes, turnips. ASPARTIC ACID - Is used in cardiovascular functions and in the retarding of tooth and bone destruction. It is found in almonds, apples, apricots, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapefruits, pineapples, lemons, tomatoes and watermelons. CYSTINE - Is used in the formation of red blood corpuscles and is involved in hair growth and the functioning of the mammary glands. It is found in alfalfa sprouts, apples, brazil nuts, beets, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, currants, cauliflower, kale, pineapples, raspberries. GLUTAMIC ACID - Is used in maintaining blood sugar levels. Anemia will not occur if this and other nutrients are obtained and used. Glutamic acid is also a factor in the secretion of gastric juices. It is found in brussel sprouts, cabbages, carrots, celery, green beans lettuces and papaya. GLYCINE - Is a factor in forming muscle fiber and cartilage and in regulating sex hormones. It is found in alfalfa sprouts, almonds, carrots, celery, okra, oranges, potatoes, pomegranates, raspberries, turnips and watermelons. HISTIDINE - Is used in manufacturing glycogen and in the control of mucus. It is a component of hemoglobin and semen. It is founding alfalfa sprouts, apples, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, endive, papayas, pineapples, and pomegranates. HYDROXYGLUTAMIC ACID - Is similar to glutamic acid and is a factor in controlling digestive juices. It is found in carrots, celery, grapes, lettuces, plums, raspberries, and tomatoes. IODOGORGOIC ACID - Is a factor in all glandular functions. It is found in carrots, celery lettuces, pineapples and tomatoes. ISOLEUCINE - Aids in the regulation of the thymus, spleen, pituitary and metabolism. It is also a factor in forming hemoglobin. It is found in avocadoes, coconuts, papayas, sunflower seeds and almost all nuts. LEUCINE - Counterbalances the isoleucine amino acid and is found in the same food sources. LYSINE - Aids in the functions of the liver, gallbladder pineal & and mammary glands. It is also a factor in fat metabolism and in preventing cell degeneration. Lysine is found in alfalfa sprouts, apples, apricots, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, papaya, pears and soya bean sprouts. METHIONINE - Aids in the functioning of the spleen, pancreas and lymph glands. It is a constituant of hemoglobin and tissues and is found in apples, brazil nuts, cabbages, cauliflower, kale and pineapples. NORLEUCINE - Balances the functions of leucine. Synthesized within the body if needed. PHENYLALANINE - Is involved in the functions of the kidneys and bladder and in eliminating wastes. It is found in apples, beets, carrots, pineapple and tomatoes. PROLINE - Involved in manufacturing white corpuscles and in the emulsifying of fats. It is found in apricots, avos, almonds, beets, brazil nuts, carrots, cherries, coconut cucumbers, figs, grapes, oranges, pineapples and raisins. SERINE - Aids in the tissue cleansing of the mucus membrane and in the lungs and bronchial. It is found in alfalfa sprouts, apples, beets carrots, celery, cucumbers, cabbages, papayas and pineapples. THREONINE - Aids in the balancing of amino acids. Threonine is found in alfalfa sprouts, carrots, green leafy vegetables and papaya. THYROXINE - Involved with the activity of the thyroid, pituitary and adrenals and in metabolic functions. It is found in carrots, celery lettuces, tomatoes and pineapples. TRYPTOPHANE - Involved in the generation of cells and tissues and in the pancreatic and gastric juices. Also a factor in the optic system. It is found in alfalfa sprouts, beets, carrots, celery, green beans and turnips. TYROSINE - Is a factor in the development of the cells and tissues and in the generation of red & white corpuscles. It is also found in the adrenals, pituitary, thyroid, and hair. Food sources are alfalfa sprouts, almonds, apricots, apples, beets, carrots, cucumbers, cherries, figs, lettuces, sweet peppers, strawberries and watermelons. VALINE - involved in the functioning of the mammary glands and ovaries. It is found in apples, almonds, beets, carrots, celery okra, pomegranates, squashes and tomatoes. To Recap: We can say that, generally, the amino acids serve 5 functions in the body: 1) They furnish the material from which proteins are synthesized, by various cells. 2) They are used by the cells in manufacturing enzymes, hormones and other nitrogenous products 3) They are used in constructing blood protein 4) They may furnish a source of energy, with some of the amino acids being transformed into glucose and glycogen. 5) They aid the body in performing many functions as described in their individual descriptions. That concludes the chapter on proteins. Is there still anyone out there who is not in ore at the miracle of creation? Have a wonderful week, The Crazy Nut Team.