Contents
When we eat protein food, it gets into our gastrointestinal tract and breaks down into its constituent amino acids and other useful substances.
Moreover, some amino acids can enter our body only with food, while others, such as argininecan saturate our body in two ways. The first way is to eat, and the second is to convert it from other amino acids.
An important feature of arginine is its ability to form nitric oxide, which has a beneficial effect on the body’s circulatory system. This discovery was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Arginine rich foods:
General characteristics of arginine
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid. It belongs to a group of amino acids that are capable of being produced by our body, however, in an insufficient amount for the body.
Moreover, for the synthesis of arginine, clearly defined conditions are required. The slightest pathology – and the production of arginine in the body will be stopped. Arginine is one of the key reagents in nitrogen metabolism.
Arginine can only be produced in a healthy adult. As for children, they do not produce an amino acid. In addition, after 35 years, arginine production begins to decline gradually.
Daily requirement for arginine
According to the norms developed by nutritionists, the daily requirement for arginine is:
- for children – up to 4,0 g
- for adults – up to 6,0 g
At the same time, it is desirable to use arginine found in products, and only in case of its lack, it is possible to use a chemically created compound. Scientists have calculated: in order to get the daily intake of arginine with food, you need to eat 6 chicken eggs per day, or 500 grams of cottage cheese, 360g of pork, or drink at least 4 liters of milk per day. Probably, many will find this an impossible task, so we recommend that you diversify the menu, using in the complex several types of products containing this amino acid in large quantities. A list of such products is given above.
The need for arginine increases with:
- depression;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- liver disease;
- gallstone disease;
- kidney disease;
- decreased immunity;
- with a decrease in muscle mass;
- abundant body fat;
- with skin problems;
- in childhood and after 35 years;
- with cardiovascular diseases (risk of heart attack, angina pectoris, heart failure).
The need for arginine is reduced:
- in people who suffer from arginine intolerance;
- in those suffering from systemic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus);
- in the presence of neoplasms;
- in a healthy person aged 16 to 35 years.
Arginine absorption
In order for a person to receive the required amount of this amino acid, he must eat well and also have good health. Due to this, the lack of arginine can be replenished in the body on its own. Otherwise, a person will be directly dependent on arginine from outside.
Useful properties of arginine and its effect on the body
If we talk about the beneficial properties of arginine, then they consist, first of all, in the normalization of metabolic processes. In addition, normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems is impossible without this amino acid.
Its participation in the production of hormones and enzymes should also be emphasized. Thanks to this, muscle mass increases, while the content of adipose tissue in the body decreases. In addition, the liver cleansing from toxins and toxic substances is noted.
In addition, it is recommended for older men with erectile dysfunction. Recommended for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Has a positive effect on blood vessels.
Interaction with other elements
Arginine interacts with other amino acids such as valine, phenylalanine, and glutamine. After that, new compounds are formed, which have a beneficial effect on the general well-being of the body, as well as affect life expectancy and external attractiveness. In addition, arginine also combines well with carbohydrates, which, being saturated with amino acids, have a particularly beneficial effect on the body.
Signs of a lack of arginine in the body
- pressure increase;
- violation of brain activity;
- premature aging;
- hormonal metabolism disorders;
- obesity.
Signs of excess arginine in the body
- hives;
- tremor of extremities;
- irritability turning into aggressiveness.
Factors affecting the body’s arginine content
The general state of human health, as well as the systematic consumption of foods containing arginine, are the two most important factors that determine the content of this substance in the body.
Arginine for beauty and health
Currently, arginine is widely used as a nutritional component for athletes – weightlifters and bodybuilders. Arginine lowers body fat and also helps build muscle mass, which gives the appearance a firm, slim and beautiful appearance. And one more surprise for those who care about the condition of the skin: arginine helps to improve its condition. Skin cleansing is observed, complexion improves.