Earth Notions maca INformation
Amino Acids:
An amino acid is any molecule that contains both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. Amino acid is any one of a class of simple organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in certain cases sulfur. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are biochemical building blocks. They form short polymer chains called peptides or polypeptides which in turn form structures called proteins. Each amino acid has at least one carboxyl (COOH) group, which is acidic, and one amino (NH(2)) group, which is basic. Amino acids join together in long chains, the amino group of one amino acid linking with the carboxyl group of another. The linkage is known as a peptide bond, and a chain of amino acids is known as a polypeptide. Proteins are large, naturally occurring polypeptides.
Alanine - Alanine is one of the simplest of the amino acids and is involved in the energy producing breakdown of glucose. L-alanine is created in muscle cells from glutamate in a
process called transamination. Alanine comes from the breakdown of DNA or the dipeptides, anserine and carnosine, and the conversion of pyruvate, a compound in carbohydrate metabolism. Alanine is used by the body to build proteins. Alanine is vital for the production of protein, essential for proper function of the central nervous system and helps form neurotransmitters. Alanine is necessary for the promotion of proper blood glucose levels from dietary protein.
Arginine - Arginine is a complex amino acid that is often found at the active (or catalytic) site in proteins and enzymes due to its amine-containing side chain. Arginine is involved in multiple areas of human physiology and metabolism. Arginine plays an important role in cell division, the healing of wounds, removing ammonia from the body, immune function, and the release of hormones. Arginine has a number of functions in the body such as assisting in wound healing, hormone production, immune function and removal of excess ammonia.
Asparagine - Asparagine is the ß-amide of aspartic acid synthesized from aspartic acid and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Asparagine is one of the principal and frequently the most abundant amino acids involved in the transport of nitrogen. Asparagine is very active in converting one amino acid into another (amination and transamination) when the need arises. Asparagine serves as an amino donor in liver transamination processes.
Aspartic acid - Aspartic acid is alanine with one of the ß hydrogens replaced by a carboxylic acid group. Aspartic acid is a part of organic molecules containing an amino group, which can combine in linear arrays to form proteins in living organisms. Although aspartic acid is considered a non-essential amino acid, it plays a paramount role in metabolism during construction of other amino acids and biochemicals in the citric acid cycle. Among the biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid are asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and several nucleotides.
Glutamic acid - Glutamic acid is biosynthesized from a number of amino acids including ornithine and arginine. When aminated, glutamic acid forms the important amino acid glutamine. Because it has a carboxylic acid moiety on the side chain, glutamic acid is one of only two amino acids (the other being aspartic acid) that has a net negative charge at physiological pH. This negative charge makes glutamic acid a very polar molecule and it is usually found on the outside of proteins and enzymes where it is free to interact with the aqueous intracellular surroundings. On a molar basis, glutamic acid is incorporated into proteins at a rate of 6.2 percent compared to the other amino acids.
Glycine - Glycine is the simplest amino acid and is the only amino acid that is not optically active (it has no stereoisomers). The body uses it to help the liver in detoxification of compounds and for helping the synthesis of bile acids. It has a sweet taste and is used for that purpose. Glycine is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids, bile acids, proteins, peptides, purines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), porphyrins, hemoglobin, glutathione, creatine, bile salts, one-carbon fragments, glucose, glycogen, and l-serine and other amino acids.
Hydroxyproline - Hydroxyproline is derived from the amino acid proline and is used almost exclusively in structural proteins including collagen, connective tissue in mammals, and in plant cell walls. An unusual feature of this amino acid is that it is not incorporated into collagen during biosynthesis at the ribosome, but is formed from proline by a posttranslational modification by an enzymatic hydroxylation reaction. Non-hydroxylated collagen is commonly termed pro-collagen.
Isoleucine - Isoleucine belongs to a special group of amino acids called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are needed to help maintain and repair muscle tissue. Leucine and valine are other two branched-chain amino acids. Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that is not synthesized by mammalian tissues. Isoleucine is needed for hemoglobin formation and also helps to maintain regular energy levels. Isoleucine is important for stabilizing and regulating blood sugar and energy levels and is required through the diet as it cannot be produced by our bodies.
Lysine - Lysine is an essential amino acid that has a net positive charge at physiological pH values making it one of the three basic (with respect to charge) amino acids. Lysine is an essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body and its breakdown is irreversible. It is an essential building block for all protein, and is needed for proper growth and bone development in children. Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen.
Methionine - Methionine is an important amino acid that helps to initiate translation of messenger RNA by being the first amino acid incorporated into the N-terminal position of all proteins. Methionine supplies sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth. Methionine reacts with adenosine triphosphate to form S-adenosyl methionine. S-adenosyl methionine is the principal methyl donor in the body and contributes to the synthesis of many important substances, including epinephrine and choline.
Phenylalanine - Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is also one of the aromatic amino acids that exhibit ultraviolet radiation absorption properties with a large extinction coefficient. Phenylalanine is part of the composition of aspartame, a common sweetener found in prepared foods (particularly soft drinks, and gum). Phenylalanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of other amino acids and some neurotransmitters.
Proline - Proline is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the production of collagen and in wound healing. Proline is the precursor for hydroxyproline, which the body incorporates into collagen, tendons, ligaments, and the heart muscle. Proline plays important roles in molecular recognition, particularly in intracellular signalling. Proline is an important component in certain medical wound dressings that use collagen fragments to stimulate wound healing.
Serine - The methyl side chain of serine contains a hydroxy group making this one of two amino acids that are also alcohols. Serine plays a major role in a variety of biosynthetic pathways including those involving pyrimidines, purines, creatine, and porphyrins. Serine has sugar-producing qualities, and is very reactive in the body. It is highly concentrated in all cell membranes, aiding in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies.
Threonine - Threonine is another alcohol-containing amino acid that can not be produced by metabolism and must be taken in the diet. Threonine is an important component in the formation of protein, collagen, elastin and tooth enamel. It is also important for production of neurotransmitters and health of the nervous system.
Tyrosine - Tyrosine is metabolically synthesized from phenylalanine to become the para-hydroxy derivative of that important amino acid. Tyrosine is a precursor of the adrenal hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and the thyroid hormones, including thyroxine. L-tyrosine, through its effect on neurotransmitters, is used to treat conditions including mood enhancement, appetite suppression, and growth hormone stimulation.
Valine - Valine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that is closely related to leucine and isoleucine both in structure and function. Valine is a constituent of fibrous protein in the body. As a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), valine has been found useful in treatments involving muscle, mental, and emotional upsets, and for insomnia and nervousness. Valine may help treat malnutrition associated with drug addiction.
Minerals
Calcium The most abundant mineral in the human body, found namely in teeth and bones. Instrumental in muscle contraction (heart), blood clotting, and maintenance of cell membranes. Can lower the irregular rate of colon cell turnover and may reduce cholesterol levels. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the body - both are implicated in preventing osteoporosis. Alcohol impairs calcium absorption.
Copper - Essential trace element concentrated in the blood/liver/kidney/brain. Involved in the formation of haemoglobin. Powerful antioxidant -- co-factor in enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase). Required in both collagen and myelin sheath formation. Linked to anaemia, osteoporosis, and aneurysm.
Iron - Required for blood production and oxygen transport within the body. Linked to childhood learning problems, poor concentration and short attention span. Low levels can result in anaemia characterized by fatigue, cold sensitivity, and lowered immunity. Vegetarians/vegans must be especially conscious of absorbable iron intake.
Potassium - Important electrolyte that maintains the acid/alkaline balance required for efficient cellular activity. Regulates body's electrical activity (ie. heartbeat) and carries nerve messages to muscles, releasing some hormones and neurotransmitters en route. Low levels are associated with high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.
Zinc - Concentrated in white & red blood cells. Required by brain and CNS enzyme systems (ie. digestion/respiration); by the reproductive system (fertility); for bone calcification; and by the immune system (thymus gland to make hormones). Can be depleted by alcohol, breast feeding, diabetes, ageing oestrogen supplementation, corticosteroids, and diuretics. The heavy metal 'cadmium' displaces zinc in the body. Phytates can render it unabsorbable ie. seeds/nuts/soy/grains Linked to slow wound healing, loss of taste & appetite, poor night vision, allergies, dandruff, IBS, and prostate issues.
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