Non-essential amino acids are essential nutrients for our body. What are and what are the most important non-essential amino acids?
With the diet that we follow daily, we provide our body with the essential nutrients it needs to function properly, and to be able to enjoy good health to a greater extent. Vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, fats and proteins stand out in this regard.
Within proteins we must also highlight amino acids. They are chemical units that make up proteins, so that the different protein substances built from them form organs, muscles, tendons, glands, hair and nails. Hence, we can assimilate amino acids as if they were “building blocks.”
They are essential nutrients for our body, since they participate and intervene in a really active way in a very great diversity of functions.
Depending on whether or not our body is capable of synthesizing them by itself, they differ into essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Unlike essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids are those that our body is capable of synthesizing by itself, so that we find them in various amounts naturally in our body.
We can also provide them to our body through the diet, and in many cases they need other amino acids and nutrients to function properly.
What are the non-essential amino acids?
Arginine
It is an amino acid that helps in the detoxification of the liver, increases the sperm count naturally (hence it is widely used in the treatment of male infertility), facilitates the increase of muscle mass, reduces body fat and helps in tissue repair.
Aspartic acid
It helps in the function of DNA and RNA, increases resistance, participates in the formation of cells and in the metabolism itself, and is used in the treatment of depression and chronic fatigue.
Cysteine
It helps in our body’s natural process of eliminating harmful toxins. Protects the liver and brain from damage caused by harmful substances, and promotes recovery in the event of surgery or fat burns, and aids in fat burning.
Glutamic acid
It acts as a neurotransmitter that excites the central nervous system, the spinal cord, and the brain. It acts as fuel, especially for the brain, and helps in the transport of potassium in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Glutamine
It is one of the most abundant amino acids in muscles, helping to build and maintain muscle tissue, and also prevents muscle wasting.
Wisteria
Improves glycogen storage, and slows muscle degeneration as a result of aging. In addition, it helps improve the immune system, and repairs damaged tissues.
Ornithine
It helps in the metabolism of fats, in the regeneration of the liver and in enjoying a better immune system. In addition, it stimulates the secretion of insulin and helps to request the release of growth hormones.
Proline
It helps in the production of collagen and is useful in strengthening the joints, heart muscles, and tendons. It works in conjunction with vitamin C to maintain healthy connective tissues.
Serine
It is essential for the correct metabolism of fats and for the growth of muscles. It also helps to enjoy a good immune system, and is essential for the formation of cells, the production of antibodies and immunoglobulins, and for the functioning of DNA and RNA.
Taurine
It is one of the best known non-essential amino acids. Strengthens the heart muscle, prevents macular degeneration and improves vision.
Tyrosine
Helps regulate mood by being a precursor to dopamine and adrenaline. In addition, it stimulates the nervous system by raising the mood, and also the metabolism.
Where to find non-essential amino acids?
Although we can find non-essential amino acids in our body, we can also provide it through our diet, opting for foods rich in protein. They stand out:
- Food of animal origin: milk and dairy derivatives (yogurt, cheese, butter), eggs, fish and meat.
- Plant-based foods: cereals, legumes, vegetables, seeds and nuts.
How to provide our body with non-essential amino acids?
Non-essential amino acids can be provided to our body by following a varied, balanced and above all healthy diet.
