T1-Protein-P2

Topic 1 - Protein - Part 2.

This follow on is about the essential amino-acids that we identified in the earlier installment. These are the 8 amino-acids (proteins) that our bodies can’t actually synthesize itself so we have to obtain them from our nutrition. The other 12 amino-acids, (proteins), our body can synthesize and so very rarely, if we are healthy, are we deficient in these. The 8 essentials we can become deficient in though, so we have to ensure we are constantly obtaining these from our nutrition.

Protein, especially the essential amino-acids, regularly needs to be absorbed into our body for optimal health. The amino-acid storage in our bodies is like a kitchen sink with no plug, as we fill it from the tap its constantly loosing through the plug hole.

Again, what are these 8 essential amino-acids we need?

Well here they are and some of their nutritional sources along with their deficiencies, although this is not an exhaustive list. Contrary to popular belief, you can supply all of these essential amino-acids through a vegetarian or vegan diet, just by making sure you have the variety of sources.

PHENYLALANINE - found naturally in mammal milk, eggs, raw seaweed/spirulina, watercress, a variety of seeds, meats and fish.
Deficiencies- low serum levels of blood proteins, apathy, loss of hair pigmentation, edema, lethargy, liver damage, muscle loss, skin lesions, weakness

VALINE – eggs, raw seaweed/spirulina, pumpkin leaves, raw horseradish tree leaf tips, meats and fish.
Deficiencies- deterioration of muscle function and mental health, insomnia and skin hypersensitivity.

THREONINE – Beans, lentils nuts and seeds, eggs, dairy, meats and fish.
Deficiencies- Agitation, mental health deterioration, decreased digestion, intestinal malfunctions, increase in fatty liver, poor nutrient absorption, decreased protein uptake.

TRYPTOPHAN – The sleeping amino-acid, cocoa, oats, dried-dates, milk, yoghurt, raw seaweed/spirulina, meats and fish
Deficiencies- Insomnia, depression, anxiety.

ISOLEUCINE – eggs, raw seaweed/spirulina, meats and fish.
Deficiencies- Dizziness, depression, confusion, irritation.

METHIONINE – eggs, fish, meat, brazil nuts, sunflower seed butter, oats.
Deficiencies- Paralysis, hair-loss, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, liver deterioration, retarded growth.

LEUCINE – egg, raw seaweed/spirulina, meats, fish, broad beans, spinach.
Deficiencies- Dizziness, irritation, headaches, fatigue.

LYSINE – meat, fish, eggs, pinto beans, kidney beans, parsley and chives.
Deficiencies- Anemia, lack of energy, hair-loss, growth retardation, reproductive system complications.

So don’t read this information wrongly, there are many other reasons that could contribute to these symptoms, the idea here is to show us how important it is that we ensure to have these 8 essential amino-acids in our regular nutrition. Protein isn’t just about muscle, its about everything that goes on in our bodies, and to be a fully healthy human we need to make sure we eat, digest and absorb these nutrients, through our whole unprocessed un-chemically grown and raised nutrition.

The next part in the protein topic, ‘it’s okay to eat and digest it, but no good if you can’t absorb it’. What do we need to absorb these essentials!

Remember the mantra, “A balanced variety of whole, unprocessed, chemical free foods”.

Remember these are general examples and don’t take into account an individual’s nutritional allergies and intolerances. If you do unfortunately suffer from allergies or intolerances please check first with the food listed in these topics with your individual case.