What is valine? Learn about the functions of valine, the health benefits of this essential amino acid and where to find it, with information on the foods richest in valine.
The amino acids differ in essential amino acids and non – essential amino acids, precisely because the former cannot be synthesized by the body, so the only way to contribute them is through diet. The latter, however, can be synthesized in the body from other substances.
There are a total of 10 essential amino acids, each of which fulfills certain functions in our body, individually on the one hand, or acting in combination with other nutrients or amino acids, on the other.
The valine is another essential amino acid, although it is true that tends to be less known that tryptophan, methionine or phenylalanine.
What is valine?
The Valine is an essential amino acid that can only contribute to our body through diet, always choosing those foods that are rich in this nutrient.
It is a fundamental amino acid for our body, being above all essential both for the formation of tissues and for their healing.
Valine functions
- Fundamental in tissue formation.
- Indispensable in tissue healing.
- Necessary for muscle metabolism.
- Maintenance of nitrogen balance in the body.
Health benefits of valine
As we briefly indicated in the previous lines, valine is a fundamental amino acid in the formation and healing of tissues, being necessary in turn in muscle metabolism and coordination.
It is helpful in maintaining proper nitrogen balance in the body, and muscle tissue tends to use it as a source.
It can be useful in turn in the treatment of diseases and disorders of both the liver and the gallbladder.
Where to find valine?
Here we summarize which are the foods richest in valine:
- Foods of animal origin: milk and dairy products, eggs, meat and fish.
- Plant-based foods: legumes, cereals, sesame seeds and nuts.
