Amino Acids
In this article:
Why amino acids are so important for humans?
What is the amino acids content of soybean protein?
Amino acids are essential molecules that play crucial roles in the human body. There are 20 different types of amino acids, and they are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body, including muscles, organs, skin, hair, and nails.
Here are some of the key roles that amino acids play in the human body:
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Building blocks of proteins: As mentioned earlier, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. When we consume protein-rich foods, our body breaks down the proteins into amino acids, which are then used to build new proteins.
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Energy production: Amino acids can also be used as a source of energy by the body. When we consume more protein than we need, the excess amino acids are broken down and used for energy.
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Hormone production: Some amino acids are used to make hormones in the body. For example, tryptophan is used to make serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
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Immune system function: Amino acids are also important for immune system function. For example, glutamine is used by white blood cells to help fight off infections.
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Transport and storage of nutrients: Some amino acids are used to transport and store nutrients in the body. For example, cysteine is used to transport iron in the blood.
Soybean protein is a plant-based protein source that is rich in amino acids. Soybean protein is considered a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet.
Here are the essential amino acids found in soybean protein, along with their respective functions in the body:
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Histidine: essential for the growth and repair of tissues, and is also involved in the production of red and white blood cells.
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Isoleucine: important for muscle metabolism and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
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Leucine: critical for muscle protein synthesis, wound healing, and the production of growth hormone.
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Lysine: important for the growth and repair of tissues, the production of hormones and enzymes, and the absorption of calcium.
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Methionine: necessary for the production of cartilage, the synthesis of proteins and other molecules, and the metabolism of fats.
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Phenylalanine: used by the body to produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
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Threonine: necessary for the synthesis of proteins, and is also involved in the metabolism of fats and the immune response.
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Tryptophan: used by the body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
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Valine: important for muscle metabolism and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Soybean protein is also a good source of non-essential amino acids:
1. alanine,
2. arginine,
3. aspartic acid,
4. cysteine,
5. glutamic acid,
6. glycine,
7. proline,
8. serine,
9. tyrosine.
In summary, soybean protein is a rich source of essential and non-essential amino acids that are important for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body, as well as for various metabolic and hormonal functions.