Amino acids are the foundation of healthy and balanced lifestyle. They are organic components that contribute greatly to the good functioning of the body and provide fuel for a healthy growth and development of muscles and bones. Amino acids combine to form proteins and help the human body preform critical metabolic functions and to produce energy. Furthermore, they are necessary for a healthy cell growth and repair. There are three groups of amino acids: non-essential, essential and conditional. While the conditional amino acids are not essential, the other two groups are very important for your health.

Non-essential, or dispensable amino acids, are produced by the human body. However, the nutritionally essential amino acids cannot be produced in the body – they can only be obtained from certain foods and healthy supplements. It is a well known fact that you need to add a certain amount of essential amino acids to your diet for the body to function properly. This is not only great for a healthy muscle building, but it can also improve your overall health and help you lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. To get a better understanding of their function and benefits, here is a step by step guide to the 8 essential amino acids.

• Methionine improves digestion and has great anti-oxidizing properties. It helps get rid of excess fat in the bloodstream and contributes greatly to the breakdown and use of fats. Furthermore, it is essential for the production of creatine monohydrate which is necessary for a healthy muscle growth and energy production.

• Lysine is essential for bone and muscle growth and development. It helps revitalize the body during periods of stress and fatigue and maintains a positive nitrogen balance. It also produces muscle protein and protects blood vessels.

• Histidine plays a vital role in repairing all kinds of tissues. It produces both red and white blood cells and is essential for the formation of a protective sheath for the nerves called myelin. Moreover, this essential amino acid produces gastric juices that can improve as well as speed up digestion.

• Phenylalanine stimulates the nerve system and is considered a smart-vitamin since it improves the body’s absorption of sunlight. This results in a higher level of Vitamin D which is a strong body hormone.

• Threonine assists in the production of antibodies and boosts the immune system. The body uses threonine to form collagen and elastin and improve the absorption of other nutrients. This essential amino acid maintains proper protein balance as well.

• BCAAs is the amazing trio that makes up the Branced Chain Amino Acids and plays a vital role in the maintenance and repairing of muscle tissue. Each of the three amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) helps reduce muscle breakdown and improves the overall exercise performance. They also improve concentration and help prevent fatigue.

• Leucine regulates blood-sugar levels and assists in skin tissue growth and repair. Plus, it also helps regulate the energy levels.

• Isoleucine provides protection against infections and is essential for the formation of hemoglobin. Moreover, isoleucine is a great amino acid that boosts energy, regulates blood sugar and helps repair muscle tissue.

• Valine repairs as well as builds muscle tissue; it is great for keeping a healthy nitrogen balance.