- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
What are amino acids?
It’s no secret that protein supplements provide your body with one of its most important tools in the fight to build muscle. If you’ve ever read about the job done by protein drinks and protein bars, you might have seen amino acids mentioned. Ever wondered what these key facets of protein, and therefore thick, rippling muscle, are? It’s time to learn.
Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of protein. That is because protein is created of chains of amino acids. Without getting too technical, amino acids are organic compounds found in the body that contain carboxyl and an amino group. These compounds combine to create protein. When protein is used by the body, it is broken back down into amino acids. These amino acids are then sent to different parts of the body to carry out various tasks. One of these is to help build muscle tissue and slow its degeneration.
There have been more than 50 amino acids discovered by scientists over the years. However, only 20 of them are used in the body to combine and make protein. In your reading about protein and its benefits, you might have even heard of essential amino acids. There are nine of these that every human needs. They are:
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