Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are nitrogen-based chemicals that are the
building blocks of proteins in living organisms. There are more than 20 amino acids
required for normal good health in humans.
Humans and animals are not able to make certain
amino acids. These are known as the "essential amino acids" and must be
eaten in the form of proteins in various foods.
Sources of essential amino acids include milk, meats such as
beef and pork, fish, eggs, cheese, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They are also
included in fortified breads.
An amino acid consists of:
- a central carbon atom
- a hydrogen atom
- an amino group from which is derived the term "amino"
- a carboxyl group minus a protein which then becomes an "acid"
- an "R" group which defines the special properties of the amino acid
Alanine
Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic Acid
Cysteine
Glutamic Acid
Glutamine
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Proline
Serine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
|
