The importance of amino acids in our body and brain

Amino acids play an important role both as a building block of proteins but also as intermediates in our metabolic rate and its changes. Amino acids essentially work together to make long chains. These chains of amino acids are also called proteins. The 20 amino acids that are found within proteins convey a wide range of chemical signals. Each of these signals has its specific characteristics, which provides a unique role in protein structure. They essentially help to support muscle strength and work through the process of stimulating protein synthesis while improving focus and concentrations.

These top most known amino acids are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine

These amino acids are required in our nutrition plan. We- as humans- do not have all the enzymes required for the formation of complex molecules of all of the amino acids.

Our body can only make 10 of the 20 amino acids. All amino acids which can also be found in concentration supplements are required for body growth and brain stimulation. Since essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within the body, they have to be consumed via food or health supplements. These amino acids can be easily found in animal products, including meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products.

If someone doesn’t take enough of these essential amino acids it may end up in degeneration of the body's proteins, muscle, etc, and can even affect mental performance and physical health. Unlike fat and starch, the human body does not hold additional amino acids for future use, the amino acids must be taken via supplements for concentration or food each and every day.

The amino acids that our human body can manufacture include alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. Tyrosine is essentially made from phenylalanine: phenylalanine is an important amino acid, which the body cannot create, so it is very important to consume it via food or other forms. If a nutrition plan is lacking in phenylalanine, tyrosine will be needed as well.

Many dieticians have now displayed the positive effects of an efficient supply of amino acids to our health and body. Multiple influences are working against our bodies from receiving a complete and balanced supply of essential amino acids. Among them is the pollution caused by the burning of fossil-fuels etc. among many others. And even worse, is the amount of healthy nutrients we are losing from a pour diet and over processed food. By providing the body with the best and optimum nutrition, amino acids can help replace what is lost from over-processed foods, and promote a well-being and healthy attitude.

Senior people are more likely to face this issue because of malnutrition. If the body lacks the minimum nutrients it needs to function properly, it cannot work on its bodily and mental functions. Without the essential vitamins, proteins (amino acids), trace elements and minerals, you may be feeling weakness, fatigue, and disorders in your metabolism which can have significant effects to your overall health.

Marios Kokolakis is a health motivation blogger at BrainSharp; a nutrition blog promoting organic supplements for concentration and productivity.