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Click the above numbers to navigate
through the Novice Section.
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AMINO ACIDS:
Proteins are made up of sequences of amino acids. There are
20 different amino acids but our body is unable to produce
8 of these. These are known as Essential Amino Acids and must
be acquired through the foods we eat or via supplements. The
remaining 12 amino acids are referred to as non-essential
amino acids.
The following list provides you with the names of the essential
[ ]
and non-essential [ ]
amino acids and the roles they play within the body.
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Valine
Leucine
Isoleucine
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All of these 3 amino acids are called branched
chain amino acids (BCAAs). They perform the important functions
of increasing proteins and serving as an energy source during
exercise. |
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Alanine
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Important energy source for muscle tissue, the
brain, and central nervous system. Helps in the metabolism of
sugars and organic acids. |
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Arginine *
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Improves immune response to bacteria, viruses,
and tumour cells. Improves wound healing and regeneration of
the liver. Also, maintains normal functions of blood vessels
and other organs. |
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Glucosamine
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Help in the repair of joint tissue. |
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Lysine
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Lysine is one of the most common of all the amino
acids but a deficiency can result in a niacin (Vitamin B) deficiency. |
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Aspartic acid
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Helps remove ammonia from the body which can be
harmful to the central nervous system. |
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Glutamic Acid
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Improves mental capacities, speeds the healing
process of ulcers and gives a lift from fatigue. |
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Proline
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Improves skin texture, aids in proper functioning
of joints and tendons and maintains and strengthens heart muscles.
Use in conjunction with vitamin C. |
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Cystine
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Functions as a powerful antioxidant and an immune
support substance. Necessary for the formation of the skin. |
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Threonine
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Necessary for the formation of tooth enamel protein,
elastin, and collagen. Has a minor role in controlling fat build-up
in the liver. |
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Methionine
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Supplies sulphur which improves the tone of the
skin, promotes growth and condition of hair and nails. Protects
from airborne pollutants. Helps aid some allergies. |
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Histidine *
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Required for the production of histamine and is
often used to treat anaemia, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis
and other inflammatory reactions. |
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Phenylalanine
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Painkilling and depression-alleviating properties.
Enhanced by the addition of vitamin B-6. |
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Tyrosine
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Used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin
which regulates growth rate, metabolic rate, skin health, and
mental health. Used as an antidepressant. |
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Tryptophan **
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Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin and melatonin
production. |
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Asparagine
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Required by the nervous system to maintain equilibrium
and is also required for amino acid transformation from one
form to the other which is achieved in the liver. |
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Glycine
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Used in the maintenance of the central nervous
system and in men to maintain healthy prostate functions. |
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Serine
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Needed for the metabolism of fats and fatty acids,
muscle growth and a healthy immune system. Elevated levels may
suppress the immune system. |
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* Histidine and Arginine are considered essential
amino acids only for children. |
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** Tryptophan, as a health supplement, is unavailable
in many countries due to a ban. |
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