Nutrition, Questions, Workouts - January 01, 2011

What are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are the molecules that make up protein.

In total their are 20 different amino acids. 8 of which cannot be manufactured in the body and must be obtained through diet.

These are known as Essential Amino acids. For children 9 amino acids.

The body needs all essential amino acids, these are complete acids can be obtained through:

Eggs
Fish
Meats
Dairy (milks & cheese)
Soy beans

Some proteins are known as incomplete essential acids, this is because these proteins have missing amino acids;

Cereals
Legumes
Maize
Nuts
Whole grains

Combining two incomplete proteins together compensate for each other, therefor making a complete essential acid. Excessive protein consumption with not lead to muscular growth, it can damage kidney’s and lead to dangerous toxic ammonia levels in blood.