We offer you an overview of important nonessential amino acids, which are not so often mentioned in various articles on health. Nevertheless, their significancecan not be overestimated.
So, the following amino acids can be attributed to them:
- Cysteine
Cysteine is a precursor of glutathione, a substance that exerts a protective effect on the liver and brain cells from alcohol damage, certain drugs and toxic substances contained in cigarette smoke. It helps to neutralize some toxic substances and protects the body from the damaging effects of radiation. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It is necessary for the growth of hair and nails. The intake of cysteine with vitamins C and B1 is not recommended for people with diabetes mellitus. A combination of these nutrients can lower the effectiveness of insulin.
Sources of cysteine are: eggs, oats, corn.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Gamma-aminobutyric acid acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, the concentration of which is particularly high in the brain tissues. Gamma-aminobutyric acid improves brain metabolism, has nootropic, sedative and anticonvulsant action. It is especially important in vascular diseases of the brain, reduction of intellectual functions, encephalopathy, depression. In extreme situations, it splits with the release of a large amount of energy, thereby ensuring the maximum speed of the brain work.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is synthesized in the nervous system from glutamine.
- Glycine
Glycine is a regulator of metabolism, it normalizes and activates the processes of protective inhibition in the central nervous system, reduces psychoemotional stress, increases mental performance. It is necessary for the central nervous system and the good condition of the prostate gland. It is used in the treatment of depressive conditions. It promotes the mobilization of glycogen from the liver and is the starting material in the synthesis of creatine, the most important energy carrier. The lack of this amino acid leads to a decrease in the level of energy in the body. Glycine has nootropic properties, improves memory and learning ability.
Sources of glycine are: gelatin, beef, liver, peanuts, oats.
- Histidine
Histidine is an amino acid that promotes growth and restoration of tissues. Histidine is part of myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells, and is also necessary for the formation of red and white blood cells. Too high content of histidine can lead to stress and even mental disorders (agitation and psychosis). Because it binds zinc, large doses of it can lead to a deficiency of this metal. Methionine helps to lower the level of histidine in the body. Histamine, a very important component of many immunological reactions, is synthesized from histidine. Histamine also promotes the onset of sexual arousal. People suffering from manic-depressive psychosis should not take histidine, except when the deficiency of this amino acid is accurately established.
Natural sources of histidine: bananas, fish, beef, wheat and rye.