The human body can manufacture only a portion of the 22
different types of carbohydrate and nitrogen containing amino
acids that are required for a healthy body. The rest have to
come from food sources.
Eight of the ten that come from food sources are essential amino
acids. Two are only essential in young children. Phenylalanine,
valine, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine,
leucine, histidine and arginine are the 10 amino acids that come
from food sources. Histidine and arginine are the two that are
essential in children.
Essential amino acids can be found in meats and poultry, fish,
eggs and dairy such as cheese and milk as well as in many plant
sources such as grains and legumes. Lysine and tryptophan that
well known thanksgiving sleep inducer are poorly represented in
plants. Strict vegetarians should be wise to this fact and
ensure that they are getting a proper balance of amino acids in
their diet.
So what do amino acids do? Amino acids help to build DNA and
RNA, cells and repair tissue. They help to combat infections
brought on by viruses and bacteria and they carry oxygen
throughout the body. Phenylalanine is used by the brain to
produce norepinephrine which reduces depression, promotes
alertness and reduces hunger pangs. Valine promotes calmness,
mental stimulation and muscle coordination. Tryptophan reduces
anxiety, promotes healthy sleep patterns and in conjunction with
lysine reduces cholesterol levels. Threonine promotes healthy
levels of collagen and elastin in the skin. It also works to
keep fat build up down in the liver. Isoleucine and leucine keep
you alert and help to build energy. Methionine promotes healthy
hair, skin and nails. Lysine helps to absorb calcium. Histidine
is an essential part of hemoglobin. Arginine is essential in
muscle growth and tissue repair.
So how does all of this tie into gourmet cuisine? Chips, snacks
and processed foods may not be enough to maintain a healthy
body. A well balanced nutritious diet filled with fruits,
vegetables, meats, dairy and a wide variety of spices is the
way. All of the recipes offered at Gourmayeats (
http://www.gourmayeats.com/recipe.html ) contain a healthy
balance of flavor, variety and nutritious choices. Gourmayeats
Recipe of the Week Club takes the guess work out of shopping and
makes healthy eating choices a breeze.
About the author:
Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating
gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy
to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is
also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter.
Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips
and trivia you can use everyday. Sign up for her newsletter and
learn more about Gourmayeats Weekly Recipe Club at
http://www.gourmayeats.com
