Why do we need amino acids?
Unlike fat and starch, amino acids cannot be stored in the body for a long time. They deteriorate over time so if they are not taken in at relative frequency the body may have difficulty operating at full capacity. While more than 20 different amino acids are needed to form proteins, only the essential amino acids (essential amino acids) need to be taken in on a daily basis.
This can be done through amino acid supplements, but also through certain foods that contain naturally high levels of essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Here is a list of essential amino acids and the foods where you can get them.
Histidine
The first essential amino acid is found in lean meats, especially minced beef and turkey. It is especially prominent in smoked ham, wild meat and pork products. It is available in both meat and skin of meat. You can also get histidine from eggs, soy, peanuts, parmesan cheese and sesame.
Available in fish, with the highest content of pike, cod and other North Atlantic seafood. This amino acid is also found in eggs, both white and egg yolk. Soy protein and tofu also have it.
Leucine
Leucine is another amino acid found in seafood, especially fish such as pike, cod, and tuna as well as in eggs. It is also found in cottage cheese, parmesan, sesame, and meat game, especially water buffalo and moose. This amino acid is important for the liver and adipose tissue as well as the construction of connective tissue and muscles.
Lysine
Lysine can be derived from most meats, but also from chickpeas, lentils, parmesan, quinoa and soybeans. When it comes to meat, chicken and catfish contain large amounts of lysine.
Methionine
Found in cereals, eggs, sesame seeds, mustard seeds, peanuts and bean nuts. Methionine can also be consumed in fish and other meat. Very little methionine is found in legumes and other vegetables.
Phenylalanine
Interestingly, phenylalanine is found in the breast milk of most mammals and has an antiseptic and antidepressant effect when consumed. It is logical then that you can get it from the skin and meat of most animals and fish, even in a number of manufactured goods such as light soda and other processed foods. Peanuts, eggs and soy have it too.
Threonine
Like methionine, threonine is found in the highest levels of cottage cheese, sesame seeds, bird, fish and lentils.
Tryptophan
Perhaps the most well-known amino acid is tryptophan, which is abundant in meat and fish, eggs, sesame and sunflower seeds, chocolate, yogurt and milk. Tryptophan supplements have previously been questioned due to health concerns, but now it has returned to many stores in both the US and Europe and is now sold as a supplement to some pharmacies.
Valin
Similar to leucine and isoleucine in its chemical composition. Valin is found in meat, especially beef and dairy products. For those who cannot consume meat and dairy products, dietary supplements that are sold at pharmacies and health food stores worldwide are recommended. Some valines are found in soy protein, parmesan, and sesame.
