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AMINO
ACIDS are the "building Blocks" of the body. Besides building cells
and repairing tissue, they form antibodies to combat invading
bacteria & viruses; they are part of the enzyme & hormonal
system; they build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA); they carry
oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. When
protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino
acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) the
rest are non-essential (can be manufactured by the body with proper
nutrition).
TRYPTOPHAN (Essential
Amino Acid)
A natural relaxant, helps
alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety &
depression; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the
immune system; helps reduce the risk of artery & heart spasms;
works with Lysine in reducing cholesterol levels.
LYSINE (Essential Amino
Acid)
Insures the adequate absorption
of calcium; helps form collagen (which makes up bone cartilage
& connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies,
hormones & enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may
be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients
that reduce viral growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness,
inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded
growth, hair loss,anemia & reproductive problems.
METHIONINE (Essential Amino
Acid)
Is a principle supplier of
sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps
lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of
lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural
chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of
ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder
irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair
growth.
PHENYLALAINE (Essential Amino
Acid)
Used by the brain to produce
Norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve
cells and the brain; keeps you awake & alert; reduces hunger
pains; functions as an antidepressant and helps improve
memory.
THREONINE (Essential Amino
Acid)
Is an important constituent of
collagen, Elastin, and enamel protein; helps prevents fat build-up
in the liver; helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function
more smoothly; assists metabolism and assimilation.
VALINE (Essential Amino
Acid)
Promotes mental vigor, muscle
coordination and calm emotions.
LEUCINE & ISOLEUCINE
(Essential Amino Acid)
They provide ingredients for
the manufacturing of other essential biochemical components in the
body, some of which are utilized for the production of energy,
stimulants to the upper brain and helping you to be more
alert.
ARGININE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Studies have shown that is has
improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses & tumor cells;
promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver; causes the
release of growth hormones; considered crucial for optimal muscle
growth and tissue repair.
TYROSINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Transmits nerve impulses to the
brain; helps overcome depression; Improves memory; increases mental
alertness; promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal
and pituitary glands.
GLYCINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Helps trigger the release of
oxygen to the energy requiring cell-making process; Important in
the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune
system.
SERINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
A storage source of glucose by
the liver and muscles; helps strengthen the immune system by
providing antibodies; synthesizes fatty acid sheath around nerve
fibers.
GLUTAMIC ACID (Non-Essential
Amino Acid)
Considered to be nature's
"Brain food" by improving mental capacities; helps speed the
healing of ulcers; gives a "lift" from fatigue; helps control
alcoholism, schizophrenia and the craving for sugar.
ASPARTIC ACID (Non-Essential
Amino Acid)
Aids in the expulsion of
harmful ammonia from the body. When ammonia enters the circulatory
system it acts as a highly toxic substance which can be harmful to
the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that Aspartic
Acid may increase resistance to fatigue and increase
endurance.
TAURINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Helps stabilize the
excitability of membranes which is very important in the control of
epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors
necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take
place in the aging process; aids in the clearing of free radical
wastes.
CYSTINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Functions as an antioxidant and
is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and
pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free
radicals, neutralize toxins; aids in protein synthesis and presents
cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of the skin,
which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair
and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine.
HISTIDINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Is found abundantly in
hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
allergic diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency can cause poor
hearing.
PROLINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Is extremely important for the
proper functioning of joints and tendons; also helps maintain and
strengthen heart muscles.
ALANINE (Non-Essential Amino
Acid)
Is an important source of
energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system;
strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies; helps in the
metabolism of sugars and organic acids.
MINERALS
As important as vitamins are,
they can do nothing for you without minerals. Vitamins cannot be
assimilated without the aid of minerals. And though the body can
manufacture a few vitamins, it cannot manufacture a single mineral.
All tissues and internal fluids of our body contain varying
quantities of minerals. Minerals are constituents of the bones,
teeth, soft tissue, muscle, blood, and nerve cells. They are vital
to overall mental and physical well-being.
Minerals act as catalysts for
many biological reactions within the body, including muscle
response, the transmission of messages through the nervous system,
the production of hormones, digestion, and the utilization of
nutrients in foods.
CALCIUM
IMPORTANCE: Builds and
maintains bones and teeth; regulates heart rhythm; eases insomnia;
helps regulate the passage of nutrients in & out of the cell
walls; assists in normal blood clotting; helps maintain proper
nerve and muscle function; lowers blood pressure; important to
normal kidney function and in current medical research reduces the
incidence of colon cancer, and reduces blood cholesterol
levels.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in arm and leg muscles spasms, softening of bones, back and leg
cramps, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis ( a
deterioration of the bones), tooth decay, depression.
MAGNESIUM
IMPORTANCE: Plays an important
role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart;
maintains normal heart rhythm; necessary for proper calcium &
Vitamin C metabolism; converts blood sugar into energy.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in calcium depletion, heart spasms, nervousness, muscular
excitability, confusion; kidney stones.
IRON
IMPORTANCE: Its major function
is to combine with protein and copper in making hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the
tissues which need oxygen to maintain basic life functions. Iron
builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to
stress and disease. It is also necessary for the formation of
myoglobin which is found only in muscle tissue. Myoglobin supplies
oxygen to muscle cells for use in the chemical reaction that
results in muscle contraction. Iron also prevent fatigue and
promotes good skin tone.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, anemia.
IODINE
IMPORTANCE: Aids in the
development and functioning of the thyroid gland; regulates the
body's production of energy; helps burn excess fat by stimulating
the rate of metabolism; mentality, speech, the condition of the
hair, skin, & teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning
thyroid gland.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in an enlarged thyroid gland, slow mental reaction, dry skin &
hair, weight gain, loss of physical & mental vigor.
COPPER
IMPORTANCE: Necessary for the
absorption & utilization of Iron; helps oxidize Vitamin C and
works with Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief component of the
Elastin muscle fibers throughout the body; aids in the formation of
red blood cells; helps proper bone formation &
maintenance.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in general weakness, impaired respiration, skin sores.
ZINC
IMPORTANCE: Is an antioxidant
nutrient; necessary for protein synthesis; wound healing; vital for
the development of the reproductive organs, prostate functions and
male hormone activity; it governs the contractility of muscles;
important for blood stability; maintains the body's alkaline
balance; helps in normal tissue function; aids in the digestion and
metabolism of phosphorus.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in delayed sexual maturity, prolonged healing wounds, white spots
on finger nails, retarded growth, stretch marks, fatigue, decreased
alertness, susceptibility to infections.
MANGANESE
IMPORTANCE: An antioxidant
nutrient; important in the blood breakdown of amino acids and the
production of energy; necessary for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1
& Vitamin E; Activates various enzymes which are important for
proper digestion & utilization of foods; is a catalyst in the
breakdown of fats & cholesterol; helps nourish the nerves and
brain; necessary for normal skeletal development; maintains sex
hormone production.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, ataxia, loss of hearing,
digestive problems, blindness and deafness in infants.
CHROMIUM
IMPORTANCE: Works with insulin
in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels;
cleans the arteries by reducing Cholesterol & Triglyceride
levels; helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them;
helps control the appetite; medical research has shown that persons
with low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to
having cancer and heart problems and becoming diabetic.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in glucose intolerance in diabetics; arteriosclerosis, heart
disease, depressed growth, obesity, tiredness.
POTASSIUM
IMPORTANCE: Works with sodium
to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms;
aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain; preserves
proper alkalinity of body fluids; stimulates the kidneys to
eliminate poisonous body wastes; assists in reducing high blood
pressure; promotes healthy skin.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in poor reflexes, nervous disorders, respiratory failure, cardiac
arrest, muscle damage.
SELENIUM
IMPORTANCE: A major antioxidant
nutrient, protects cell membranes and prevents free radical
generation thereby decreasing the risk of cancer and disease of the
heart and blood vessels. Medical surveys show that increased
selenium intake decreases the risk of breast, colon, lung and
prostate cancer. Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity; slows
down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation; helps in
the treatment and prevention of dandruff.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result
in premature aging, heart disease, dandruff, loose skin.
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