What are Essential Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Protein-rich foods like meat & eggs are excellent sources of amino acids. Certain amino acids are also taken as supplements by some people looking for a natural way to improve athletic performance, muscle growth and recovery.
There are over 20 different amino acids, and 8 of them cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. These are called the "Essential Amino Acids," which include isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine—all of which are essential to human health, athletic performance, and general well-being. These essential amino acids play important roles in various processes in the body, including protein synthesis, immune function, and hormone regulation.In this blog, we will explore and focus on the benefits of essential amino acids and how they can support optimal health and performance. From improved muscle building and recovery to better mental clarity and energy, essential amino acids offer a wide range of benefits that cannot be ignored. So if you want to feel your best and perform at your peak, read on to learn more about the power of essential amino acids!
1. Protein Synthesis
Essential amino acids play a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins, which are needed for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues and organs. When you consume protein, your body breaks it down into individual amino acids, which are then used to build and repair tissues in the body. This process is especially important for athletes, as exercise can cause microtears in muscle tissue. Getting enough protein and essential amino acids can help repair these tears and promote muscle growth and recovery. They also help make enzymes, hormones, and other substances that your body needs to function well.
2. Energy Production
Essential amino acids are used by the body to produce energy. When the body needs energy, it breaks down stored fats and sugars and uses them as fuel. Amino acids can also be used as an energy source, especially during prolonged exercise or when the body is in a fasting state primarily through a process called gluconeogenisis. However, it is important to note that ATP*, glycogen*, and fats are the primary sources of energy for the body, and a diet that includes a variety of micronutrients is important for overall health and energy production.
*ATP is a substance present in all living cells that provides energy for many metabolic processes.
*Glycogen is a form of glucose, a source of energy that your body stores primarily in your liver and muscles.
3. Immune System Function
Essential amino acids are necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system and are involved in the production of antibodies, immune cells, and other immune system components. For example, the amino acid lysine has been shown to support immune system function by inhibiting the replication of viruses and helping to reduce inflammation. Supplements with lysine are becoming widely recognized as a natural aid to improving the body's immune system. Additionally, other essential amino acids such as tryptophan and arginine have been shown to have immune-boosting effects.
4. Brain Function
Essential amino acids can help with brain function in several ways. They are crucial for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and play a vital role in mood, cognition, and behavior. According to Lieberman, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, the central nervous system requires a number of amino acids found in protein foods. Amino acids such as tryptophan, tyrosine, and arginine are used by the brain for the synthesis of various neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.
Essential amino acids also play a role in the development and maintenance of brain cells, including neurons and glial cells. They are involved in the production of proteins that are essential for brain function, such as myelin, which is a protective layer around nerve fibers that helps with the transmission of nerve impulses. Additionally, essential amino acids have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function, possibly due to their role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Overall, maintaining an adequate intake of essential amino acids is important for optimal brain function and overall health.
5. Heart Health
Essential amino acids play a crucial role in maintaining the proper function of the cardiovascular system by helping to regulate blood pressure and heart rate, as well as aiding in the production of proteins that are necessary for healthy heart function. Some specific essential amino acids that may be particularly beneficial for heart health include arginine, which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, and taurine, which helps to regulate heart contractions and maintain electrolyte balance in the body. Additionally, consuming a diet rich in essential amino acids may help to lower the risk of developing certain cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and coronary artery disease.
6. Muscle Growth and Repair
Essential amino acids are essential for the growth and repair of muscles. They are involved in the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to hold muscles together while also helping to reduce muscle breakdown during exercise or injury. In addition, essential amino acids stimulate the production of hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and leucine in particular, increases MTOR signaling leading to higher MPS - muscle protein synthesis. Both are very crucial for muscle growth. Therefore, adequate intake of essential amino acids is important for optimizing muscle growth and repair.
7. Hormone Production
Some essential amino acids, such as tryptophan, tyrosine, and lysine, are precursors for the synthesis of various hormones, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and growth hormone. These hormones play important roles in various bodily functions, including mood, energy, metabolism, and growth. Therefore, sufficient intake of essential amino acids is important for maintaining proper hormone balance and function.
8. Bone Health
Essential amino acids play a crucial role in bone health. They help to form and maintain bone tissue by providing the building blocks for bone collagen and other bone proteins. These amino acids also help to regulate bone metabolism and promote bone formation. Essential amino acids, such as lysine and methionine synthesize collagen, a major component of bone tissue, while arginine and histidine have been shown to have a positive effect on bone growth and repair. Essential amino acids also help to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis by improving bone density and strength. It is important to consume a high protein diet that includes all essential amino acids to support optimal bone health.
9. Skin Health
Certain key and essential amino acids can help with skin health by supporting the synthesis of proteins that are important for maintaining the structure and function of the skin. Lysine synthesizes collagen, a protein that helps to maintain the structural integrity of the skin; methionine synthesizes keratin, a protein that helps to protect and strengthen the skin; histidine synthesizes histamine, a chemical that helps to regulate inflammation in the skin; and arginine synthesizes nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to maintain blood flow to the skin and improve its elasticity while playing an important role in the maintenance and regulation of the skin and the integrity of its environment.
10. Weight Management
Essential amino acids can potentially help with weight management in a few ways: A) Essential amino acids play a vital role in the synthesis of protein in the body. When you consume enough protein, your body is better able to build and repair tissues, including muscles. This can help increase metabolism and promote weight loss. B) Essential amino acids can also help increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction after a meal, which can lead to reduced food intake and weight loss. C) Additionally, essential amino acids are involved in the production of various hormones, including ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite and energy expenditure.
Consuming enough essential amino acids can help regulate these hormones and potentially promote weight loss. It's important to note that while essential amino acids may have some weight management benefits, they should not be relied upon as a sole means of weight loss. A high protein, nutrient dense diet and regular physical activity are crucial for weight management.
11. Sleep
There is some evidence to suggest that essential amino acids may help improve sleep quality. According to Medical News Today, tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is important for the production of serotonin in the body. It is also key to brain function and has a role in healthy sleep. People cannot make tryptophan in their bodies, so must obtain it from their diet. Additionally, GABA (a neurotransmitter that is synthesized from the amino acid glutamine) has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain and may help to promote sleep.
12. Mood and Mental Health
Essential amino acids can potentially have a positive effect on mood and mental health. Some essential amino acids, such as tryptophan and tyrosine, have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and mental health. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the body, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. Tyrosine is converted to dopamine, another neurotransmitter that is involved in motivation and pleasure. Low levels of certain essential amino acids have been linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Supplementing these amino acids may help improve mood and mental health in some individuals.
SURPO Takeaways
Essential amino acids play a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellness. They help to build and repair tissues, produce hormones and enzymes, and support a strong immune system. They are also necessary for muscle growth and maintenance, and can even help with weight loss efforts. While essential amino acids can be obtained through a high protein diet, they can also be supplemented through EAA drinks and protein powders. Amino Hydrate+ by SURPO has an EAA formula which results in significantly higher absorption rates than any protein powder or other EAA drink. Overall, incorporating essential amino acids into your diet can provide numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
Amino Hydrate +
Amino Hydrate+ helps replenish lost minerals & electrolytes while supplementing all the key amino acids your body needs to perform at its best. This combination will help you stay hydrated, prevent muscle breakdown, aid in athletic recovery, boost energy levels, & support muscle growth & overall health.
Higher Athletic Performance
When you engage in strenuous or prolonged physical activity, your body depletes its energy reserves & starts to break down muscle protein to convert its essential amino acids into energy. This process also leads to a decrease in muscle protein production, resulting in muscle weakness & reduced exercise performance. Amino Hydrate + replenishes lost electrolytes needed for energy & endurance while supplementing all the key amino acids needed to prevent muscle breakdown.
Optimum Hydration
The negative effects of dehydration can be avoided through proper hydration. Hydration involves not only drinking water but also replenishing the body with essential electrolytes. Amino Hydrate + offers better hydration over water alone. It enhances muscle water absorption & retention and replaces the vital electrolytes that are lost due to sweating. Our amino acid powder fully hydrates your body, keeping you fueled to tackle even the most intense workout while reaching your greater Survival Potential!
Workout Recovery and Muscle Growth
Essential Amino Acids activate a certain pathway in the body that stimulates muscle protein synthesis while decreasing muscle soreness & exercise fatigue. Our unique Amino Hydrate+ formula has been thoughtfully designed to replenish lost electrolytes while supplementing all the key amino acids in your body. This combination will help you to prevent muscle breakdown, support muscle growth, and is perfect any time during the day your muscles need extra recovery.
SURPO exists to help people fundamentally obtain higher levels of survival across all aspects of life and that experience begins with physical health. We strive to empower individuals to live a healthier, more active lifestyle through the promotion of proper nutrition. Our supplement is specifically designed to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Good hydration and high-quality supplements make all the difference in the world and have the power to transform your life.