When it comes to building a strong and healthy body, protein is an essential component. When you consume protein it is broken down into amino acids. This blog post will share what exactly amino acids are, and why their concentration matters.
Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Protein
Imagine protein as a Lego structure, and amino acids as the individual Lego pieces. When you eat protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and plant sources like beans and nuts, your body breaks down these proteins into their basic units: amino acids. These little building blocks are crucial for various functions in your body like making muscle, reducing inflammation, improving body composition, balancing blood sugar, making neurotransmitters and supporting immune and hormone function, to name a few!
The A-Listers of Amino Acids
There are 20 different types of amino acids, and they can be grouped into two categories: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are like the VIPs – your body can't make them on its own, so you need to get them from your diet. Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be produced by your body.
Why Concentration Matters
Now, here's the crucial part: the concentration of amino acids in the protein you consume matters because it determines how effectively your body can use them for various functions. Think of it as having a pile of Legos – if you have a bunch of the same color, you'll be limited in what you can build. But if you have a diverse assortment, you can create a wide range of structures.
The Role of Essential Amino Acids
Essential amino acids play a vital role in processes like muscle repair, immune system function, and even the production of hormones and enzymes. When you consume a protein source that contains all essential amino acids in the right proportions, it's referred to as a "complete protein." Animal sources like meat, fish, and eggs are usually complete proteins.
Balancing Act for Plant-Based Eaters
If you follow a plant-based diet, it's important to pay attention to combining different plant protein sources. While individual plant foods might not contain all essential amino acids, when you mix things up (like beans and rice), you can create a complete protein profile. Many plant-based eaters choose to supplement with essential amino acids to ensure they are supporting their body’s needs.
Quality Over Quantity
It's not just about how much protein you eat, but also where it comes from. Opting for high-quality protein sources ensures you're getting a good balance of amino acids. Lean meats, fish, dairy, eggs, along with Essential Amino Acid supplementation are excellent choices.
Time to Wrap it Up!
Amino acid concentration matters because it determines how effectively your body can utilize the protein you consume. Aim for a balanced intake of protein sources to ensure you're getting a wide variety of amino acids. Remember, it's not just about the quantity of protein, but also the quality.
If your protein intake does not hit at a minimum, 100g of lean animal protein per day, it might be time to look into supplementing with Inner Wellth EAAs. You will notice an immediate increase in sustainable energy and you can be confident knowing you are supplying your body with the correct ratio of Essential Amino Acids it needs to support metabolism, immune function, neurotransmitter production, stimulate muscle growth, balance blood sugar and support detoxification pathways!
If you have any questions at all, please let me know!
