The Benefits of Amino Acids and Glutamine
| August 4, 2011 | Posted by admin under Health |
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and of course, protein is the most essential nutrient in building muscle. Athletes of all types, including swimmers, triathletes, football players, and boxers rely on protein, through diet and/or supplementation.
Glutamine
If you take protein supplements, you have probably already heard of glutamine, as it is found in many of these supplements. Glutamine can help boost athletic performance by improving brain functionality, building muscle, and strengthening the immune system.
The immune system receives a boost from glutamine because it is the most vulnerable after a workout. During this point, glutamine levels are usually at only about 50%, which means that the rest of it is going into overdrive in an attempt to keep your immune system in top shape. This is why it is vital to supplement with glutamine after an intense workout; otherwise, your muscle cells can weaken because your body is not using protein efficiently.
Overall, amino acids, and—more importantly, glutamine—are absolute necessities when it comes to optimizing athletic performance and staying in top shape, not only at the gym but also in day-to-day life. By boosting athletic performance, muscle recovery, and immunity, it is no wonder that many athletes turn to protein supplements to get the most out of their workouts.
Amino Acids
There are about 20 essential amino acids, some of which are imperative for muscle growth. Essential, in this case, means that they can only be obtained through consumption because the body does not produce them on its own. A few of these amino acids include phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine. These three can help prevent and alleviate depression, as well as insomnia in some cases.
