What foods have amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are very important for human health too.

 What are the amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds known for their critical role in protein synthesis. They are the building blocks of proteins.

Apart from their function as a protein builder, they are also actively involved in other critical bodily functions like muscle building and repairing, neurotransmission, etc.

 

What foods have amino acids?

Though 11 nonessential amino acids out of 20 total amino acids can be easily obtained within the body, the rest nine essential amino acids need to be consumed through external sources like food and dietary supplements.

Fortunately, several foods are rich in amino acids to fulfill our nutritional needs. More impressive is their availability of both plant and animal-based sources.

Let’s check out some of the best commonly available foods high in amino acids.

·         Quinoa is one of the most nutritious grains. Besides being a good source of fiber, it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs from food. It also has a higher amount of lysine than wheat or rice, making it a better source of these amino acids than other grains.

·         Eggs are an excellent source of protein too. They contain all of the essential amino acids.

·         Turkey has high amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to make the b vitamin called niacin, necessary for digestion, healthy skin, and nerves.

·         Tryptophan also helps produce serotonin, affecting your mood and contributing to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Because they’re all high in protein, other meats are good sources of amino acids as well. 

·         Age cheese
One serving of cottage cheese provides about 25% of your daily protein value and contains significant quantities of several amino acids, including threonine and tryptophan.

·         Mushrooms contain 17 amino acids, including all of the essential ones. Supplementing a cereal diet with mushrooms would help overcome lysine deficiency.

·         Most types of fish contain essential amino acids and other essential micronutrients. Salmon is high in amino acids and omega 3s.

·         Legumes and beans
Legumes are a great source of high-quality protein — 20-45% of their protein is rich in the amino acid lysine. Peas and beans contain 17-20% high-quality protein, while lupins and soybeans contain 38-45%.

·         Peas, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, peanuts, cooked kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans & edamame

·         Banana reported the essential amino acid content in banana flower was about 39–45%, mainly glycine, leucine, alanine, and aspartate amino acid.