Amino Acids Are The Building Blocks Of Life

Many Amino Acids Are Destroyed And Must Be Replaced

 Proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body. Proteins are made from amino acids, which are referred to as the building blocks of life, and they regulate every biochemical reaction in the body, and regenerate tissue.  Every cell in the body is comprised of proteins made from amino acids, and they are subject to deterioration and need replacement.

In the diet, proteins are found primarily in meats, poultry, eggs, milk, rice and beans, although there are some amino acids in vegetables as well.  The body must digest the food and break it down into singular amino acids.  The food protein cannot be absorbed directly, because the food sources have polypeptides with hundreds, or even thousands of amino acids joined together in peptide bonds.  These must be broken down with enzymes into the singular amino acids that the body can absorb, and then combined into the proteins that the body requires.  Heat and processing destroy many amino acids in dietary sources, and not all food sources have all the amino acids necessary for proper metabolic balance. 

It is necessary to constantly replace amino acids to nourish the body and repair and regenerate tissue.  Although we obtain amino acids in food, perfect diets and proper balance are rarely achieved and supplementation is important to keep the body in good health.  Also in times of physical and emotional stress, illness, injury and surgery the body requires more amino acids that can be obtained in foods alone.  In addition, many conditions and lifestyles may cause an imbalance of amino acids and proper balance is critical for good health and longevity.