L-lysine is an essential amino acid that cannot be produced by the body, but is necessary for human health. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and because of this you must either eat foods containing L-Lysine or take supplements. Some foods that include this essential amino acid are cheese, certain fish, fenugreek seed, eggs, soybeans and nuts.
Benefits of L-Lysine
L-Lysine provides many benefits to the human body. In fact, it is vital for your whole body to function. This amino acid is necessary for collagen formation. Many don't realize this, but collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and makes up our cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones. L-Lysine is also essential for our bodies to absorb calcium.
Other benefits of this essential amino acid are the support of our skin and skeletal system. People with osteoporosis benefit from the use of L-Lysine greatly. It is also necessary for aiding the production of antibodies, which help support the immune system, and hormone and enzyme production.
Most athletes over use their muscles. This amino acid helps to speed recovery of damage caused by over training. It also plays an important role in hormone production, maintaining nitrogen levels and building muscle protein.
Protecting and nurturing muscle tissue is extremely important when you are involved in bodybuilding or any activity that requires extensive muscle use and endurance. Since L-Lysine is effective in strengthening bone tissue as in the case of osteoporosis, it is also essential for keeping your bones strong and healthy.
What is L-lysine?
Dietary Sources:
Foods rich in protein are good sources of lysine. That includes meat (specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted soybean flour), spirulina, and fenugreek seed. Brewer's yeast, beans and other legumes, and dairy products also contain lysine. Many nuts also contain lysine along with arginine (lysine counteracts some of the effects of arginine). So if someone is trying to eat a diet rich in lysine to prevent HSV outbreaks, nuts would be a good choice.
