Why You Need Amino Acids
Amino acids are known as the building blocks of protein, which is an important component of every cell in your body. Here are a few roles that amino acids play in your overall health:
Enhanced Athletic Performance – Athletes commonly use leucine, isoleucine, and valine to improve their performance. These amino acids can be metabolized in muscle to provide extra energy during exercise.
Reduced Muscle Breakdown – Research suggests that taking amino acid supplements during recovery days after exercise reduces muscle damage as well as the soreness that comes along with it.
Improved Liver Function – Evidence suggests that taking branched-chain amino acids by mouth can improve liver function in people with poor brain function due to liver disease.
Because many foods are rich in amino acids, it’s generally easy to get your daily requirement. However, the recommended daily intake is different for each amino acid. Most foods from animal protein sources will provide all the essential amino acids you need, and many plant-based protein foods can be excellent sources of amino acids as well.