What is lysine? Discover the functions of lysine, the health benefits of this essential amino acid and where to find it, with information on the foods richest in lysine.
The lysine is one of the essential amino acids, which are essential for our body and we can only get it through food. As you know, an amino acid is essential because it cannot be synthesized in the body, so that in order to provide it to our body, it must be through foods rich in proteins (which have an interesting content in this amino acid).
We must differentiate them from non-essential amino acids, which our body can manufacture – or synthesize – from other sources.
What is lysine?
Lysine belongs to the group of essential amino acids, among which we can also find histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine and alanine.
Being an essential amino acid, it is essential for our body, being necessary in a great diversity of aspects, being able to find it in high concentrations in the muscles.
Functions of lysine
- Ensures adequate absorption of calcium.
- Helps maintain nitrogen balance in adults.
- Helps form collagen (which is part of cartilage and connective tissue).
- Useful in the production of antibodies.
- Stimulates growth hormone.
Health benefits of lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid that is essential for proper and proper growth, as it helps improve calcium absorption and is useful in stimulating growth hormone.
It prevents the appearance of infections by helping in the production of antibodies, improving our immunity.
It is useful to thin the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots. In addition, it helps to repair cells damaged by the effects of free radicals, being useful in delaying cellular aging.
Where to find lysine?
Here are the foods richest in lysine:
- Food of animal origin: milk and dairy products, meat, eggs, fish.
- Plant-based foods: legumes, vegetables and nuts.
