10 Essential Amino Acids for Your Body
A healthy diet should include essential amino acids. Learn about these important nutrients and what they do for your body!
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Essential amino acids are building blocks that form proteins in our bodies. They’re also called “amino acids” because they contain an amine group (NH2) attached to an alpha carbon atom. The most common essential amino acids are leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and histidine.
Leucine
These amino acids are found in foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, and grains. However, not everyone needs to consume them every day. In fact, some people need to limit their intake of certain amino acids. For instance, people with kidney failure cannot process lysine, so they must avoid foods high in this amino acid.
Isoleucine
Each of these amino acids has its own unique role in the human body. For example, leucine helps build muscle tissue, while tryptophan supports the immune system.
Valine
These amino acids are called “essential” because we need them to survive. However, not everyone needs the same amounts of each one. For instance, some people require more methionine than others. This is why it’s important for you to learn about the different amino acids and how much you need to consume.
Phenylalanine
There are nine other amino acids that aren’t considered essential. They are called non-essential because our bodies can make them. However, there are certain situations where we might need to supplement with these amino acids. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, you might need to take extra phenylalanine.
Threonine
Threonine is an essential amino acid found in protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, and soybeans. It helps build muscle tissue and supports the immune system.
