What is tyrosine? Learn about its functions, what foods are rich in taurine and its different health benefits.
The tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid essential and important for metabolism and our mood, because it is a precursor of dopamine and adrenaline, which, as you know- regulate mood.
The amino acids can be considered as building blocks, which form proteins. This simile translates into something very simple: the protein substances that are built thanks to amino acids make up muscles, tendons and organs (among others).
They are divided into essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. The former cannot be synthesized by the body, so that to be able to contribute them to our body it can only be through diet. While non-essential amino acids, such as tyrosine, can be synthesized, and we find them in interesting quantities in our body.
What is tyrosine?
It is a non-essential amino acid, which we find in our body whenever another amino acid is ingested, this time essential: phenylalanine.
It is essential for the metabolism of our body in general, and being a precursor of adrenaline and dopamine, it helps regulate our mood.
Tyrosine functions
- It is part of the correct functioning of the central nervous system.
- Interacts with adrenaline or dopamine, regulating mood. Also with norepinephrine and epinephrine.
- Essential for metabolism.
- Minimizes the absorption and storage of certain fats.
- Positive effect on the mucosa of the skin and hair.
- Stimulates myelin.
- It influences other hormones such as the thyroid, being beneficial for people with thyroid disorders.
Health benefits of tyrosine
Tyrosine is essential for our mood, since it interacts with neurotransmitters such as adrenaline or dopamine, and with norepinegrine and epinephrine.
It influences hormones such as the thyroid, hence, together with iodine, from a medical point of view it is useful in people with thyroid disorders.
It is also beneficial for estrogens, being interesting in case of menopause.
Where to find tyrosine?
Here are the foods richest in tyrosine:
- Foods of animal origin: meat, fish, milk and eggs.
- Plant-based foods: vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, seeds and nuts.
