Amino Acids: Building Blocks Of Protein

In our earlier blog, we have discussed that Protein heals the body, produces necessary enzymes and hormones, provides stamina and energy and helps keep the body healthy. Now we are taking a closer look at Protein to discuss Amino Acids.

• Amino acids make up 75% of our body and serve many essential body functions. In fact, almost every bodily function depends on Amino acids.
• One of the most essential duties of Amino acids is to create Protein. Amino acids are linked together to form different types of Proteins that our body needs.
• Amino acids make up Proteins by linking together as long chains. Just like letter blocks can combine to form different words, Amino acids link together in different formations to make different Proteins.
• If you don’t get the Amino acids that you need from the diet, your body will break down the cells to get them. This results in  loss of Muscles and organ proteins and tissues. That is why it is important to nourish our body with essential Amino acids.

How many Amino acids are there?

 Total Amino Acids = 21

1. Essential Amino acids(Not made by body. Need to consume in Diet) = 9

2. Non- Essential Amino acids(Made by the Body)  =12

1. Essential Amino Acids:

Benefits of Essential Amino acids:

Essential Amino acids provides many benefits. Below given are few of them.

• Helps in the growth of bones.
• Helps in providing energy
• Can influence mood.
• Help control hunger
• Provide heart health
• Helps to sleep better.

Did You Know?

• Soy protein is the only complete protein in the plant world. Soy contains all the essential Amino acids - the ones that the body cannot make on its own.
• Vegetarians need to be careful in combining grains and vegetables to get complete protein.

• Animal based proteins are called complete proteins because they contain balanced levels of Amino acids.

Non-Essential Amino acids:

Benefits of Non- Essential Amino acids:

• Keep brain and heart health.
• Keeps Liver, skin and muscles healthy
• Help build muscles.