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A total of 20 different kinds of amino acids form proteins.

The kinds of amino acids determine the shape of the proteins formed. Commonly recognized amino acids include glutamine, glycine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine. Three of those phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine are essential amino acids for humans; the others are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, and threonine. The essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body; instead, they must be ingested through food. One of the best-known essential amino acids is tryptophan, which performs several critical functions for people. Tryptophan helps induce normal sleep; helps reduce anxiety, depression, and artery spasm risk; and helps produce a stronger immune system. Tryptophan is perhaps most well-known for its role in producing serotonin, which is what gets all the press at Thanksgiving time for putting you to sleep after the big holiday feast Serotonin is a hormone that is found naturally in the human brain; it is also found in the digestive tract and platelets of some animals, including human beings. It is also found in a variety of plant sources, including vegetables, fruits, and even mushrooms. Categorized as a neurotransmitter, it is important in transmitting nerve impulses. It is also described as a vasoconstrictor, which is a substance that can cause narrowing of the blood vessels. The amino acid tryptophan is credited with producing serotonin in the body. Serotonin can be considered a "happy" hormone, as it greatly influences an overall sense of wellbeing. It also helps to regulate moods, temper anxiety, and relieve depression. It is also credited with being a natural sleep aid. It even plays an important role in regulating such things as aggression, appetite, and sexuality. It also helps with regulating body temperature and metabolism and plays a role in the stimulation of vomiting. Since serotonin is so important in regulating moods and feelings of well-being, it is often targeted in drugs that are used to affect the mood, such as antidepressants. A class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Marplan and Nardil, works to prevent the breaking down of neurotransmitters, allowing them to increase in the brain and relieve depression. Unfortunately, these drugs have many serious side effects, and they tend to react dangerously with some other types of medication.

Scientifically speaking, glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids formed by the human body. Glutamine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it can be derived from glutamic acid, another member of the amino acid family. Both glutamine and glutamic acid can be found in protein-rich foods such as beans, red meat, nuts and fish. The body uses glutamine to improve mental function, control blood sugar levels and maintain muscle mass, among other applications. As a supplement, glutamine is seen as both a 'brain food' and a muscle mass enhancer for body builders. Physicians have been known to use glutamine for the treatment of alcoholism, mild depression and muscle-wasting conditions such as Huntington's disease. Glutamine is actually the most common free-form amino acid found floating in muscle tissues. During times of stress, the body may draw glutamine away from the muscles in order to bolster the immune system or prevent blood sugar reactions. This is why many bodybuilders and other proponents of supplements often add daily doses of glutamine to maintain good muscle health

Glycine is the smallest of the 20 nonessential amino acids that make up the building blocks
of plant and animal proteins. A sweet-tasting crystalline solid, glycine is the primary amino acid in sugar cane. In the body, it is found mainly in muscle tissue, connective tissue and skin. Glycine has several important functions in the body, including helping to regulate blood sugars by breaking glucose down into energy, helping to regulate the synthesis of bile acids to break down fats, and acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, primarily in the spinal cord and brain stem where it acts as a transmitter of nerve impulses.

Tryptophan is an amino acid, a protein without which humans could not survive. It
comprises one of the building blocks of DNA and is vital to the production of serotonin and melatonin. It is also widely accessible in dairy foods, bananas, chocolate and poultry. Certain old-fashioned cures for sleeplessness were based on the consumption of foods with tryptophan. For example, drinking a glass of milk before bed was said to aid in sleeping. Though people were unaware at the time that such a thing as tryptophan existed, it is clear that such early prescriptions for increasing sleepiness were at least mildly effective. Today, one may hear similar prescriptions for including tryptophan foods in the diet not only to promote sleep but also to improve mood. Since serotonin is produced through the action of tryptophan, low levels of tryptophan in the body may result in depression or anxiety. Most drugs that treat anxiety and depression do not, however, supplement tryptophan, but inhibit serotonin from being too quickly absorbed by the brain. The increased level of free serotonin is thought to decrease anxiety and depression, and is frequently effective. Though unproven, those who suffer from anxiety or depression might also be able to increase their serotonin levels by adding tryptophan-rich foods to their diet. Including daily dairy, which is also thought to help trim waistlines, may make antidepressants more effective.

Isoleucine is an amino acid that is essential for the diet of humans and animals. It must be
obtained from external food sources. This amino acid is important for many biochemical reactions in the body, and errors in metabolism can have drastic consequences. It is also used to treat burn victims, and is taken as a supplement by body builders.

Leucine is an amino acid that is found in many types of protein and is considered to be
necessary for the proper absorption of various types of nutrients. Leucine acid is also available in supplement form and is popular among people who engage in sports activities on a regular basis. Leucine amino acid is also used as a food additive, as the compound can help to enhance the flavor of many different types of food. In the body, leucine is produced by the process of hydrolysis and can involve just about every type of food protein that is consumed. The acid is used in muscle tissue, the liver, and in adipose tissue. In the case of muscle and adipose tissue, leucine is one of the components needed to form sterols. There are several ways in which the leucine protein product helps maintain proper function of various organs and muscle groups. One important role of the amino acid involved helping the body to maintain a proper blood glucose level. Individuals diagnosed with Type I or II diabetes may benefit from making sure the diet is rich in protein while minimizing the intake of carbohydrates.

Methionine is a protein-based amino acid which assists with metabolic function, breaks
down fat, and is the primary source of sulfur in the body. As one of the compounds known as a lipotrophic, a fat burner or antioxidant, methionine is also critical for the removal of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, from the body. Some of its other primary purposes include ensuring healthy liver, kidney, bladder, and artery functions; the maintenance of healthy nails, hair, and skin; and it is essential for muscle growth and energy.

Threonine (T or Thr) is an amino acid, or a molecule that is one of the building blocks of
proteins. It is an essential amino acid, meaning that it cant be made by the body and therefore must be acquired through the diet. Many different foods contain threonine, including most meats, chicken, cottage cheese, mushrooms, and some leafy vegetables. This amino acid supports many different body functions. Threonine is required for the formation of healthy bones and teeth and plays a role in the immune system because it is a necessary constituent of antibodies. It is also present in large amounts in muscle and connective tissues. It is thought to help contribute to their strength and elasticity due to its high proportion in collagen and elastin. Finally, it is required for the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, suggesting a role in neural health.

Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that the human body cannot synthesize it
and must obtain it through food sources. Lysine aids in building muscle tissue, recovering from injury or surgery, and absorbing calcium effectively. It also helps the body produce antibodies, enzymes, and hormones. Lysine supplements are also sometimes used to treat outbreaks of the herpes virus

What are the twenty kinds of amino acids?


1. Valine 2. Leucine 3. Isoleucine 4. Alanine 5. Arginine 6. Glutamine 7. Lysine 8. Aspartic acid 9. Glutamate 10. Proline 11. Cysteine 12. Threonine 13. Methionine 14. Histidine 15. Phenylalanine 16. Tyrosine 17. Tryptophan 18. Asparagine 19. Glycine 20. Serine

The eight essential amino acids are:

Isoleucineone of the essential amino acids that can be found in many foods but there are high contents in fish, meats and cheeses, as well as nuts and wheat germ. It helps in energy production. Leucinereadily available in poultry and red meats, it can also be found in dairy products. These essential amino acids can be metabolized to produce energy. Lysinehigh amounts of these essential amino acids can be found in fish, meats and dairy products. It helps absorb calcium in the intestinal tract, promotes bone growth and the formation of collagen. Methioninecant be found in proteins like legumes and peanuts, but it can be found in higher amounts in eggs and fish. Foods contain less amounts of methionine than any of the other essential amino acids.

Phenylalaninethese essential amino acids can be found in meats and milk products. It is one of the essential amino acids because it affects brain chemistry. Theroninecan be found in flesh foods, dairy foods and eggs, and in smaller amounts in nuts, beans and some vegetables. Of the essential amino acids, its role is to help in the formation of tooth enamel protein, elastin and collagen. Tryptophanis one of the lower essential amino acids and it is found in corn, cereal grains and legumes. It can also be found in flesh foods, dairy products and nuts. It is a precursor for serotonin, which influences mood and sleep. This explains why turkey, which contains tryptophan, makes everyone sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner. Valinethis essential amino acid can be found in most foods and is a vital part of proteins. It is thought to be useful with addictions, but its exact functions are not well known. It can be metabolized to produce energy and it is a branched-chain amino acid. It is also thought that Valine supplements may help with building muscle, and with liver and gallbladder disease

Valine, Leucine & Isoleucine


All of these 3 amino acids are called branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). They perform the important functions of increasing proteins and serving as an energy source during exercise. BCAAs are amino acids present largely in myoproteins.

Alanine

An important amino acid as it is an energy source for the liver. One of the amino acids which most easily used as an energy source. Reported to improve alcohol metabolism. Used as a material for synthesis of glucose (blood sugar) needed by the body.

Essential to the health of the liver.

Arginine

An amino acid needed to maintain normal functions of blood vessels and other organs. Plays an important role in expanding blood vessels to facilitate the blood flow. Nitric oxide, which is required to expand blood vessels, is made from arginine. An amino acid that is useful in eliminating excessive ammonia from the body. Reported to enhance immunological function. Arginine possesses various functions, which the body utilizes when necessary; like when blood flow is insufficient during exercise; or when ammonia, a fatigue-causing substance, is increased; or when body resistance is likely to decrease.

Glutamine

An amino acid needed to maintain normal functions of the gastrointestinal tract and muscles. One of the amino acids contained most abundantly in the body. Plays a role in protecting the stomach and intestinal tract. Used as an energy source for the intestinal tract in particular. Reported to protect the liver and to increase alcohol metabolism. Essential to the health of the liver Glutamine is used as an energy source for the intestine and is an indispensable component to maintain its normal function. This amino acid is also used to enhance liver function.

Lysine

It is a representative essential amino acid. Tends to be insufficient when we are on a diet centered on bread or rice. Deficient in flour and polished rice. Flour lacks lysine the most, especially when compared to the ideal amino acid pattern. The deficient amino acid should be supplemented to enhance nutritional value. A project by the United Nations University has shown that lysine tends to be deficient in developing countries where people depend on flour as their protein source. If amino acids such as lysine are deficient it may lead to growth failure.

Aspartic acid

Contained in asparagus in large amounts. An amino acid which is most easily used as an energy source. Maybe used as an ingredient of nutrient preparations. Aspartic acid is an amino acid which is located most closely to the TCA cycle, the site of energy production. The TCA cycle can be likened to the engine of a car. Based on this mechanism, each of our body cells generates energy.

Glutamic Acid

Glutamic acid is often referred to as Glutamate. Contained in wheat and soybean in large amounts. An amino acid which is most easily used as an energy source. an important taste component of Japanese stock soup. It is contained in various natural foods. Reported to accelerate early recovery from fatigue during exercise.

Proline

The main component of "collagen" which constitutes the skin and other tissues. Serves as a fast-acting energy source. Proline is a most important amino acid as a natural moisturizing factor that brings moisture to the skin.

Cysteine

Cysteine is easy to be deficient in the infants. Synthesized from methionine in the human body. With infants the ability of this cysteine synthesis activity is not sufficient.

Threonine
An essential amino acid which is used to form active sites of enzymes.

Methionine
An essential amino acid which is used to produce various substances needed by the body.

Histidine
An essential amino acid which is used to produce histamine and others.

Phenylalanine
An essential amino acid which is used to produce various useful amines.

Tyrosine
Used to produce various useful amines and is sometimes called aromatic amino acid together with phenylalanine and tryptophan.

Tryptophan
An essential amino acid which is used to produce various useful amines.

Asparagine
It is an amino acid which is located close to the TCA cycle (place of energy generation) together with aspartic acid.

Glycine
Used to produce glutathione and porphyrin, a component of hemoglobin.

Serine
Used to produce phospholipids and glyceric acid.

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