Amino Acids

Amino acids are what proteins made up of.  They are the building blocks of all the body tissues and play a very crucial role in the biological processes that occur in the body. Amino acids maintain the structure of cells and tissues. It helps in the transport and storage of nutrients in the body, and maintains the functioning of blood vessels and organs. Amino acids have many more functions in the body. For this reason, amino acid supplements are gaining a huge popularity among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders.

Types of Amino Acids

Amino acids are classified into essential and nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesised in the body and is important to consume them through food or supplements. The essential amino acids include arginine, Leucine, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan, etc. On the other hand, non essential amino acids are those which your body is able to produce and so they are not required to be consumed in diet or through supplements. These amino acids include glutamine, cysteine, aspartate, alanine, etc.

Health Benefits of Amino Acids

• Build Up Muscle Mass

Amino acids have an important function in the musclebuilding process. They are involved in the building of muscle protein, which strengthens the muscle tissues and increases your muscular power. Amino acid supplements prevent muscle breakdown that occurs due to heavy exercise. This way, your hardgained muscle mass is retained and your strength stays intact. Amino acids enhance your workout performance to help you achieve desired results. Consuming amino acids before workout increases your energy to help you work out better for long hours. Consuming amino acids after workouts prevents muscle loss and boosts your stamina.

• Fat Loss

Amino acids stimulate the fat burning process by increasing the metabolism of fats present in the body. This increases the breakdown and release of fats. Amino acid supplements are particularly helpful in decreasing the stubborn abdominal fat. Amino acids also increase the production of some natural fatburning hormones in the body.

• Immune Health

Amino acid supplements are highly helpful in enhancing your immune health. Amino acids take part in almost all the processes of your body. They manage the absorption and transport of nutrients present in the body. Amino Acids also act as a filter, which not only lets the nutrients enter into the cells, but also removes toxic materials from the same. Consumption of amino acids helps keep your cells healthy and reduces the chances of infections too. Being a constituent of antibodies, they work closely to protect your immune system against harmful microbial infections.

• Improved Muscle Performance

The benefits of amino acids are not just limited to muscle building and weight loss. The supplement improves your overall workout performance and intensity. Consuming amino acids enhances your stamina that is required to perform high intensity workouts. Amino acids improve the cells’ capacity to synthesise muscle protein, which helps in pumping up your muscles.

Conclusion

Amino acids have many important functions in the body and deficiencies of some amino acids may result in serious health issues. However, consuming them in excess may harm you because they increase the work of kidneys as metabolism of amino acids produce toxic waste, which has to be released out by the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to know the right dosage for you. The supplements are available in the form of amino acid powder, tablets, capsules, etc.