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9 Essential Amino Acids and What They Do
- histidine – used as a medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers and anemia
- isoleucine – wound healing, stimulating immune function, and promoting secretions of some hormones
- leucine – increases energy during exercise, may increase muscle growth
- lysine – supports the immune system, used to treat cold sores
- methionine – critical role in metabolism
- phenylalanine – used for depression, pain, and skin disorders
- threonine – used to treat nervous disorders
- tryptophan – the body changes it into serotonin which helps control mood and sleep
- valine – promotes normal growth, tissue repair, regulates blood sugar, provides energy, stimulates the central nervous system, and is needed for proper mental functioning
11 Non-Essential Amino Acids and What They Do
- alanine – a source of energy for muscles and the nervous system, helps with metabolism of sugar
- arginine – in the body it changes to nitric oxide which is a neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and improves circulation
- asparagine – necessary for the production of the body’s proteins, enzymes, and muscle tissue
- aspartic acid – can be used to treat depression and fatigue, keeps metabolism strong
- cysteine – may help treat arthritis and hardening of the arteries
- glutamic acid – a neurotransmitter that helps clear thinking, mental alertness, and mood, it excites the nervous system
- glutamine –plays a major role in the health of the immune system and also in intestinal health
- glycine – supports mental function, relieves anxiety and stress, helps promote the quality of sleep
- praline – helps heal cartilage and cushion joints
- serine – needed to metabolize fats, fatty acids, and cell membranes, also important for muscle growth and a healthy immune system
- tyrosine – helps improve alertness and memory, has been used to treat depression