Arginine, the Wondrous Amino Acid
Arginine is an amino acid that is taking center stage lately. Yes, it occurs naturally in the body as a semi-essential or conditional amino acid. This means that Arginine is essential at a certain age and under specific circumstances. Infants are not able to produce Arginine on their own. The only way they can attain it is by receiving it through natural sources that may be included in their diet. As adults, we are able to produce it on our own yet it is sometimes not enough for optimal health which has led medical experts to incorporate it in supplements. In fact several studies proved that regulating the amount of Arginine in our body helps promote our well-being.
The Natural Sources
One of the barriers to enjoying the benefits of the amino acid Arginine is unbalanced nutrition and/or a specific physical condition that deprives us of the ability to make the necessary amount of Arginine that our body needs. In this case, supplemental intake of Arginine may be advised. Before herbal and vitamin supplements containing the amino acid were created, however, Arginine could only be obtained through food.
Arginine may be found in dairy products, seafood, nuts, meats, oatmeal, chocolate, cereal, corn, brown rice and buckwheat. Different types of cheeses such as cottage and ricotta as well as milk and its other preparations including yogurts and protein drinks. You may also get your supply from beef, chicken, and turkey. Nuts like cashew, pecan, almond, walnut, hazelnut, and peanut and seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame also contain the essential amino acid. Beefing up your diet with protein and its many dietary sources can be a good way of loading up on Arginine.
The History Of Arginine
Before Arginine made history as one important amino acid, it was previously unknown to mankind. It was only in 1886 that it was isolated by Ernst Schultze, a Swiss chemist, from a lupin seedling extract. Almost five decades later, in 1932, scientists discovered that Arginine is significant in the creation of urea, a waste product that helps remove toxins like ammonia from the body. Seven years later, in 1939, Arginine was proven to be significant in the creation of creatine, which breaks down to become creatinine, and is cleared by the kidneys from the body.
Many other essential roles of Arginine were discovered after that. In recent studies, Arginine was indicated as a supplement for heart patients. It also showed impressive results in boosting the body’s immune system. Most importantly, Arginine boosts the production of HGH or the Human Growth Hormone when it is bonded to other amino acids, herbs, and other nutrients as a supplement for optimum health.
Arginine and the Human Growth Hormone
HGH is an important hormone that helps promote optimum health. While we are young, our body produces high levels of it. Having enough HGH helps us keep our skin wrinkle free, our immune system in a great working condition and strengthen our muscles and bones and much more.
HGH is produced through the pituitary gland. It helps regenerate and rejuvenate our body by replacing old cells with healthier ones. As we get older however our HGH levels drop and with it the ability of our body to renew itself. Fortunately the discovery that Arginine can boost the production of HGH has made it an essential ingredient in HGH supplements.
Some of the benefits of Arginine are as follow:
- Arginine helps boost the immune system
- Arginine helps promote fast healing of wounds
- Arginine can help build strength and muscles
- Arginine can improve sexual performance
There are many other benefits that we can get from Arginine. Most of them are still under study.
Other Applications of Arginine
One of the most common uses of Arginine in the medical arena is in treating patients with chronic heart disease. Just recently, in 2000, Arginine has been discovered to be useful in treating patients with heart failure due to the fact that it is naturally converted into nitric oxide (NO) by the human body. Such a chemical reaction results in the relaxation of blood vessels. Arginine helps promote better blood circulation. As such, it is often advised as a supplemental drug in patients where vasodilation is necessary. Arginine is also supplied to patients with liver dysfunction as well as to HIV-infected individuals.
