Today's Natural Cure: Amino Acids

This article is from  naturalhealth365.com

Top 3 amino acids for health and longevity

(NaturalHealth365) Could the consumption of high-quality amino acids be the key to a long (healthy) life? The connection between amino acids and a long life is so strong that researchers have concluded – it is a factor for the longevity of the Japanese people living in Okinawa, also known as the “Island of Longevity.”

Amino acids are the basis of life; they are required for every metabolic function. One of their most important roles is the transportation and storage of all nutrients; these include water, fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Without amino acids – there is no life.

When you think about it – the majority of degenerative diseases originate from metabolic disorders such as, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease plus much more.

Has your cardiologist told you about taurine?

The amino acid, taurine promotes cardiovascular health; insulin sensitivity; electrolyte balance; hearing function and immune function. In fact, in animal studies, taurine protected against heart failure and reduced mortality by 80%.

The Japanese diet is high in the amino acid taurine and with so many health benefits – this amino acid has been described as a “wonder molecule”.

Americans, very often, are deficient in this essential amino acid – which means anyone with liver, kidney, heart failure, diabetes and cancer needs to consider making some dietary changes. Taurine has a powerful effect on the heart and blood vessels and studies show that people with high levels – have lower rates of coronary heart disease.

Did you know that taurine is the most abundant amino acid found in the heart cells? It increases the regularity and strength of the heartbeat, regulates blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol levels. Also, it reduces arterial thickening and stiffness, which is a factor in atherosclerosis.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that groups of people with longest life spans consume higher amounts of taurine. This amino acid is found in the highest quantities in grass fed beef, dairy, and wild caught seafood as well as sea vegetables, spirulina, and brewers yeast.

Help strengthen your immune system and lose weight – naturally

Arginine is involved in many metabolic processes; it improves circulation, strengthens the immune system and has a positive influence on male libido. Another great benefit – is its ability to help burn body fat.

Arginine decreases cholesterol levels, because of it functions as a biological precursor for nitric oxide. Its ability to bring nitric oxide to all organs is one of the reasons it can enhance your bedroom performance.

In 1998, the Nobel Prize for Medicine was given for research on nitric oxide and its conversion from arginine. The amino acid, L-arginine improves the circulation and oxygen supply of the coronary and peripheral vessels through the release of nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessel walls and improves the circulation in the whole body including erectile body tissue.

In addition, arginine can stimulate hair growth by opening up the potassium channels of cells – which stimulates hair growth.

As an amino acid, L-arginine functions as neurotransmitter, which signals the pituitary gland to ramp up production of human growth hormone (HGH). We know that HGH declines with age – which is why this amino acid has been associated with the “fountain of youth”.

The best way to get enough arginine is through a whole foods diet. There are plenty of foods that are a good source of this amino acid, such as grass-fed beef, nuts, spinach, lentils, whole grains, fermented soy and seafood.

The connection between amino acids and a youthful appearance

Glutamine is known to be an anti-aging amino acid – because it is one of the main anti-catabolic agents in muscles. This means it helps preserve muscle tissue (preventing its breakdown) – which is one of the main signs of aging.

Glutamine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in human muscle, and is an energy source for the mitochondria. Another anti-aging and rejuvenating effect – is its ability to improve brain function; it promotes alertness, focus, memory, and problem solving.

In addition, L-glutamine helps the villi that line the small intestines to grow – which enables improved absorption of nutrients, that decline with age. It also enhances your recovery from stress and illness.

Some of the best dietary sources of L-glutamine are grass-fed beef and dairy, pastured chicken, wild caught fish, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach and parsley. There is some in vegetable juices, fermented foods like miso, and beans.

So, in closing, any individual interested in a longer, healthier, and more active life would be wise to protect their health with a whole food organic diet rich in amino acids.

About the author: Blanche Levine has been a student of natural healing modalities for the last 25 years. She has the privilege of working with some of the greatest minds in natural healing including Naturopaths, scientist and energy healers. Having seen people miraculously heal from all kinds of dis-ease through non-invasive methods, her passion now is to help people become aware of what it takes to be healthy.

Sources:
http://www.aminoacid-studies.com/
http://drsircus.com/medicine/cancer/larginine-cancer
http://www.antiaging-advisor.com/L-Glutamine-benefits.html
http://www.antiagingnew.com/boost-hgh-production-the-natural-way-with-l-glutamine/

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