Contents
The first news of aspartic acid appeared in 1868. It was experimentally isolated from asparagus sprouts – asparagus. It is thanks to this that the acid got its first name. And after studying a number of its chemical characteristics, aspartic acid got its middle name and was named amino-amber.
Foods rich in aspartic acid:
General characteristics of aspartic acid
Aspartic acid belongs to the group of amino acids with endogenous properties. This means that in addition to its presence in food, it can also be formed in the human body itself. An interesting fact was revealed by physiologists: aspartic acid in the human body can be present both in free form and in the form of protein compounds.
In our body, aspartic acid plays the role of a transmitter, which is responsible for the correct transmission of signals from one neuron to another. In addition, the acid is renowned for its neuroprotective properties. During the stage of embryonic development, an increase in the concentration of acid in the retina and brain is observed in the body of the future person.
Aspartic acid, in addition to its natural presence in food, is available in the form of tablets for the treatment of heart ailments, is used as a food additive to give drinks and confectionery a sweet and sour taste, and is also used as a sports nutrition drug in bodybuilding. In the composition of the ingredients, it is usually listed as D-Aspartic acid.
Daily requirement for aspartic acid
The daily requirement for acid for an adult is no more than 3 grams per day. At the same time, it should be consumed in 2-3 doses, so that its amount is calculated so that no more than 1-1,5 grams per meal is needed.
The need for aspartic acid increases:
- in diseases associated with dysfunction of the nervous system;
- with a weakening of memory;
- with diseases of the brain;
- with mental disorders;
- depression;
- decreased performance;
- in case of vision problems (“night blindness”, myopia);
- with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- after 35-40 years. It is also required to check the balance between aspartic acid and testosterone (male sex hormone).
The need for aspartic acid is reduced:
- in diseases associated with increased formation of male sex hormones;
- with high blood pressure;
- with atherosclerotic changes in the vessels of the brain.
Digestibility of aspartic acid
Aspartic acid is absorbed very well. However, due to its ability to combine with proteins, it can be addictive. As a result, food without this acid will appear tasteless.
Useful properties of aspartic acid and its effect on the body:
- strengthens the body and increases efficiency;
- participates in the synthesis of immunoglobulins;
- plays an essential role in metabolism;
- accelerates recovery from fatigue;
- helps to extract energy from complex carbohydrates for the formation of DNA and RNA;
- able to deactivate ammonia;
- helps the liver to remove residual elements of chemicals and drugs from the body;
- helps potassium and magnesium ions to penetrate into the cell.
Signs of a lack of aspartic acid in the body:
- memory impairment;
- depressed mood;
- decrease in working capacity.
Signs of excess aspartic acid in the body:
- overexcitation of the nervous system;
- increased aggressiveness;
- thickening of the blood.
Security
Doctors do not recommend regularly consuming foods that contain unnatural aspartic acid. This is especially true for children, whose nervous system is extremely sensitive to this substance.
In children, this acid can be addictive, as a result of which they can completely abandon products that do not contain asparaginates. For pregnant women, eating a lot of foods that contain aspartic acid can negatively affect the baby’s nervous system, causing autism.
The most acceptable for the human body is acid, which is initially present in food in a natural form. Natural aspartic acid is not addictive to the body.
As for using D-Aspartic acid as a flavor enhancer, this practice is undesirable, due to the possibility of food addiction, against which products without this additive will seem tasteless and not at all attractive.