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Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and are
essential for the synthesis of specialized cells, neurotransmitters, enzymes, hormones, and DNA. There
are 22 different amino acids that are required by the body for growth and repair.
Many aminos contribute to structural cells such as the replacement components in
the blood, including those responsible for the immunity response. Other blood proteins are necessary for
the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Amino acids are responsible for the production
of enzymes used in the digestion and other metabolic processes, including the release of energy in the form of ATP stored
in the muscle cells. Amino acids also aid in thought, focus, and clarity. They may also
assist in the reduction of anxiety, fear, and frustration. Of the 22 aminos acids, thirteen are created in the body, and the remaining nine, called
“essential amino acids,” cannot be produced by the body, and must be acquired through the diet. The names of the
nine essential aminos are as follows: L-Histidine, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Threonine,
L-Tryptophan, and L-Valine. The thirteen nonessential amino acids are L-Alanine, L-Arginine, L-Asparagine, L-Carnitine,
L-Cystine, L-Glutamate, L-Glutamine, L-Glycine,
OH Proline, L-Proline, L-Sarcosine, L-Serine, and L-Tyrosine. All 22 amino acids are necessary to maintain optimum health.
L-Alanine is a non-essential which the body can make from pyruvate. Alanine is one of the most important
amino acids released by muscle, it strengthens cellular walls and functions as a major energy source. Excess alanine may be
broken down into glucose and used as an an alternative energy source. Alanine is used as also an inhibitory or calming
neurotransmitter in the brain.
L-Arginine is considered to be a semi-essential amino acid. Though arginine is produced by the
body it can be lacking and supplementation is necessary. Individuals with a protein deficiency, due to rapid growth
or malnutrition, or an excessive amount of ammonia production may be in need of a supplement. Symptoms of arginine deficiency
include constipation, poor wound healing, hair loss, and skin rash. In times of stress or illness, the amino acid requirement
is higher. If the digestive process does not produce the required amino acids for the liver to metabolize the proper
enzymes, the digestive process will be incomplete, resulting in putrification which leads to toxic overload. This detoxification
process requires an abundance of amino acids including arginine. Arginine is important to male sexual health because it composes
eighty percent of the seminal fluid.
L-Aspartate
aka L-Asparagine aka Aspartic acid L-Aspartate is non-essential in mammals, being produced from oxaloacetate by transamination. It can also be made in the Urea Cycle from Ornithine and Citrulline. In plants and microorganisms, aspartate is the precursor to several amino acids, including four that are essential for humans: methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and lysine . The conversion of aspartate to these other amino acids begins with reduction of aspartate to its
"semialdehyde," O2CCH(NH2)CH2CHO.
L-Asparagine is derived from aspartate via transamidation: A reaction between asparagine and reducing
sugars or reactive carbonyls produces acrylamide (acrylic amide) in food when heated to sufficient temperature. Asparagine was the first amino acid to be isolated. In 1806, two French chemists Louis Nicolas
Vauquelin and Pierre Jean Robiquet isolated asparagine in a crystalline form from asparagus juice, in which it is abundant, hence
the name they chose for that new matter. The characteristic smell observed in the urine of individuals after their consumption
of asparagus is attributed to various metabolic byproducts of asparagine. Aspargine aids transformation of carbohydrates into
cellular energy. Aspargine
promotes metabolism, strengthens the immune system and removes excess toxins from cells.
In addition it also aids to transport minerals into the cells for the production
of RNA and DNA. Aspargine keeps the mind sharp by increasing concentrations
of NADH in the brain, which boosts the production of neurotransmitters
and chemicals needed for normal mental functioning. Aspartate moves the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
molecules from the main body of the cell to its mitochondria, where it is used as fuel
to power all cellular activity. According to the hepatic studies of as well as that of muscular, it is known for the
crucial role it plays in generating cellular energy. Aspartate, with the crucial role it plays in generating cellular energy. Aspartate moves the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) molecules from the main body of the cell to its mitochondria, where it is used as fuel to power all cellular activity. Studies
also show that aspartate actually increases stamina and endurance levels in athletes.
Aspartate is used to treat chronic fatigue
and cerebral metabolism of ammonia and glutamine, the use of L-ornithine and L-aspartate
( LOLA ) increases the ability of the liver and other organs to detoxify ammonia.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/587349 L-Carnitine is a naturally
occurring amino acid which plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat. It functions as a transporter of fatty acids into
the mitochondria, the metabolic furnace of the cell. It is synthesized in the liver and kidneys, from two essential amino
acids, lysine and methionine. This synthesis requires the presence of vitamins niacin, B6, and iron. Most (98%) of the carnitine
supply resides in the body's muscle tissue. Approximately 80% of the amino acids our bodies need is endogenously synthesized,
the remaining 20% are referred to as the essential amino acids. The supply of such aminos, like Carnitine, must be supplemented exogenously. Carnitine was discovered in Russia, and one year later in
Germany. The proper name, Carnitine, refers to its Latin origin, carne. Its structural
formula was decoded in 1927, and its physiological significance was understood by
the 1960's and is thought to help maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
Carnitine
is available in the following food sources: red meat, diary products, avocado, and tempeh. Although a well balanced
diet can provide approximately 75% of what the body is lacking, often conditions arise that make it difficult to obtain all
the Carnitine one needs. L-Cystine is considered a substance that is generally recognized as safe by the Food and
Drug Administration. It helps strengthen the immune system, reduce damage from free-radicals, repair RNA-DNA in the cells
and assimilation of vitamin B6. Cystine is closely related to Cysteine. Cystine aids in preventing the side effects
of chemotherapy and radiation. It increases L-Glutathione levels in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and bone marrow. Cystine
also has an anti-aging effect on the body which can reduce the accumulation of age spots. Cystine aids pancreatic health,
which stabilizes blood sugar and carbohydrate metabolism. Has been used to alleviate some symptoms of food allergy and intolerance.
Cystine is a common dough conditioner, flavor enhancer in foods, and a precursor in some dietary supplements. It is most often
derived from human hair or duck feathers, and to a lesser extent from pigs' bristles and hooves. Cystine is also commonly
made synthetically using industrial chemicals that undergo a biochemical transformation brought about by non-animal enzymes.
Since both forms are expensive, they are not commonly used, making cystine a rare
amino, but it is naturally present in blue green algae.
While researching Cystine, we found that the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) asked several fast food chains and a
major vegetarian food company about the sources of Cystine in their products. McDonald's told them that Cystine
derived from duck feathers is in their Honey Wheat Roll, the Deluxe Warm Cinnamon Roll, and the Baked Apple Pie. The
Cystine in several items offered at Dunkin' Donuts is also derived from duck feathers. On the other hand, Subway recently
announced in March 2007 that it has removed the Cystine from its otherwise animal product-free Carb Conscious Wrap.
When asked about the source of Cystine in several of its products, Domino's Pizza told them that Cystine is microbially
derived in its Hand-Tossed Crust and that the Cystine in Domino's Breadsticks, Cheesy Bread, and Cinna Stix is vegetable-derived.
The public relations firm for Morningstar Farms told them that the Cystine in their Veggie Bites Country Scramble, Veggie
Bites Spinach Artichoke, and Veggie Bites Eggs Florentine was a microbial fermentation product. Cystine aids pancreatic health, which stabilizes blood
sugar and carbohydrate metabolism. It has been used to alleviate some symptoms of food allergy and intolerance. http://www.naturalways.com/spirulina-analysis.htm www.vrg.org " not present in maca but can be obtained in spiralina "
L-Glutamate aka glutamic acid is a dibasic nonessential amino acid occurring in proteins. It
is also an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamic
acid with glucose, one of the principal fuels for the brain cells, has been used to reduce the craving for alcohol and stabilize
mental health. Its
hydrochloride salt is used as a gastric acidifier. The monosodium salt, sodium glutamate,
msg is used in treating encephalopathies associated with hepatic disease.
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, comprising more than 60% of the free amino acid
pool in skeletal muscle and greater than 20% of total circulating amino acids. Supplemental L-Glutamine may help reduce muscle
soreness and rebuild muscle tissue. L-Glycine
is an amino acid used by the body to build proteins. Glycine promotes health of the thymus gland, spleen, and bone marrow
and balance white cell production. Glycine slows own muscle degeneration by supplying additional creatine, which is a compound
that is present in muscle tissue. It is utilized in the construction of DNA and RHA. Glycine is essential for the synthesis
of nucleic acids, bile acids and other nonessential amino acids in the body. It has been used in the treatment of manic depression
and schizophrenia. Glycine promotes oxygen use in the cells as well as energy and is effective in the treatment of hyperactivity.
www.schizophrenia.com/glycinetreat.htm L-Histidine* is an essential amino acid that is
significant in the growth and repair of tissues. It is important for the maintenance of the myelin sheaths
which protect the nerve cells. It is also needed for the production of both red and white blood cells. Histidine strengthens
nerve relays, especially in the auditory organs, and has been used to reverse some cases of deafness. Histidine also
protects the body from radiation damage, helps to lower blood pressure, and aids in removing heavy metals from the system.
Histamine, an important immune system chemical, is derived from histidine. L-Isoleucine*
for bodybuilding and fitness.
www.trulyhuge.com/l-isoleucine-benefits.html L-Leucine* powerfully stimulates muscle protein synthesis, some researchers have suggested leucine
supplementation may be used to combat age-associated memory loss. www.trueprotein.com L-Lysine* is a natural supplement that, if taken at a high enough dose, works to restrict
the herpes virus without posing any serious health risks or side effects. Lysine, a natural amino acid that is reported to fight
the Herpes virus.
www.herpes-coldsores.com/amino-acid-lysine-for-herpes.html L-Methionine*
is beneficial in muscle building, health and fitness.
Methionine is an essential amino acid. It is an antioxidant nutrient
and lipotropic agent which promotes the physiological utilization of fat.
www.greatvistachemicals.com/amino.../L-methionine.html
www.trulyhuge.com/l-methionine-benefits.html L-Phenylalanine* is an essential amino acid used to elevate mood, energy and attitude.
WARNING:
The amino acid L- phenylalanine should not be used by pregnant women or by those who suffer anxiety attacks or those who have
high blood pressure or with pre-existing pigmented melanoma (form of cancer), or people with phenylketonuria (PKU). The amino
acid DL-phenylalanine should be used with caution if you are pregnant or diabetic, if you have high blood pressure or suffer
anxiety attacks.
www.thewayup.com www.janethull.com/newsletter/.../warning_phenylketonurics.php " there is no L-Phenylalanine in maca " L-Proline, an essential amino acid, is a precursor
of glutamic acid, and along with vitamin C, it is a precursor of collagen. Collagen is a building block of tendons and ligaments,
and is extremely important for the proper functioning of joints. Helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
www.ezinearticles.com OH Proline, also called Hydroxyproline, differs from proline by the presence of a hydroxyl (OH) group attached to the gamma carbon atom.
L-Sarcosine,
also known as N-methylglycine has been used as adjunctive therapy for depression and schizophrenia.
L-Serine
helps to form the protective fatty sheaths surrounding nerve fiber and aids patients that suffer from neurological
symptoms . Research shows that it is usful in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFIDS that may be caused by an
amino acid deficiency.
www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=428 L-Threonine* is an essential amino acid that helps to maintain the proper protein balance in the body.
It is important for the formation of collagen,
www.greatvistachemicals.com/amino_acids/L-threonine.html L-Tryptophan* may be your choice for treatment of depression. Tryptophan is safe and legal and can be purchased
without prescription. Has been recomended as treatment for mental health.
Warning: People born with
the genetic condition phenylketonuria (PKU) are unable to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Mental retardation and
other severe disabilities can result. While dietary phenylalanine restriction prevents these problems, it also leads to low
tyrosine levels in people with PKU. Tyrosine supplementation may be beneficial in some people with PKU, though the evidence
is conflicting. "
not present maca available in spiralina " L-Tyrosine is important to the structure of almost every protein in the body; it is a nonessential
amino acid that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine.
Tyrosine is converted by skin cells into melanin, the dark
pigment that protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters,
including dopamine, L-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Tyrosine, through its effect on neurotransmitters, may affect
several health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and other mood disorders. Preliminary findings
indicate a beneficial effect of tyrosine, along with other amino acids, in people affected by dementia, including Alzheimer’s
disease. Thyroid hormones have a role in almost every bodily process and contain tyrosine as part of their structure. Due
to its role as a precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine, two of the main stress-related hormones, tyrosine may also ease
the adverse effects of physiological, environmental, and psychologcal stress. Tyrosine is involved in coloration
of hair and is involved in skin protection from sunburn. It slows aging of cells and suppresses
hunger centers in the hypothalamus. Food sources may include meat, fish, dairy, grains, legumes, and other foods containing
protein. L-Valine*,
along with leucine and isoleucine, is a branched-chain amino acid. It is named after the plant valerian, the source of valium.
Valine cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested through foods or supplements. Amino acids are essential for everyday
body functions, as well as for maintaining muscle and regulation of the immune system. Valine is not processed by the liver,
it is taken up by muscles. Valine may be useful to combat insomnia and nervousness. It is also shown to improve disorders
of the muscles, and is effective as an appetite suppressant. Valine also greatly benefits the regulation of the immune system.
Valine is also essential for muscle tissue repair and muscle metabolism, and also increases exercise endurance. Perhaps the
biggest benefits are experienced by athletes who perform long distance sports and bodybuilding. Some foods sources include
poultry, kidney beans, leafy vegetables, and dairy.
http://www.trulyhuge.com Diet (nutrition) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Nutrition (also called nourishment or aliment) is
the provision, to cells and organisms, of the materials necessary (in the form of food) to support life. Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet.The diet of an organism refers to what it eats. Dietitians are health professionals who specialize in human nutrition, meal planning, economics, preparation, and so on. They are trained to provide
safe, evidence-based dietary advice and management to individuals (in health and disease), as well as to institutions. Poor
diet can have an injurious impact on health, causing deficiency diseases such as scurvy, beriberi, and kwashiorkor; health-threatening conditions like obesity and metabolic syndrome, and such common chronic systemic diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Diet is the sum of food consumed by a person or other organism.
Dietary habits are the habitual decisions an individual or culture makes when choosing what foods to eat. Although humans
are omnivores, each culture holds some food preferences and some food taboos. Individual dietary choices may be more or less healthy. Proper nutrition requires the proper ingestion and equally important, the absorption of vitamins, minerals,
and fuel in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Dietary habits and choices
play a significant role in health and mortality, and can also define cultures and play
a role in religion.
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Maca, Lepidium Peruvianum, has improved
the health of thousands and will do the same for you. This herbal suppliment has been food for millions of indigeous persons
for thousands of years. Maca has been proven scientifically to contain more amino acids than any other known substance on
this planet. It is an adaptogen, a true super food, and will balance your diet as well as your life. The chemical analysis
of maca root has revealed an abundance of protein containing a total of 18 amino acids, nine of which are essential, eight
minerals, and a full array of vitamins.
Its greatest contribution is the occurance of six sterols (natural steroiods).Maca
also contains saponins and a few carbohydrates. The amino acids are listed below, as well as information about saponins. Also
included is a full explanation of the effects of an adaptogen and the roll they play in providing you with optimum health. Alanine:
63.1, Arginine: 99.4, Asparigine: 91.7, Glutamine: 156.5, Glycine: 68.3, Histidine: 20.9,
Isoleucine: 47.4, Leucine:
91.0, Lysine: 54.5, Methionine: 4.0, Phenylalanine: 55.3, Proline: 0.5,
OH-proline: 26, Sarcosine: 0.7, Serine: 50.4,
Threonine: 33.1, Tyrosine: 30.6, Valine: 79.3.
(Dini, 1994) computation
based on one gram of Lepidium Peruvianum (Maca).
Triterpenoid saponins have been the focus of most studies
of adaptogen constituents. Saponins include ginsenoside from Panax ginseng, gypenosides from Gynostemma and eleutherosides from Eleutherococcus. The lipophilic
properties of ginsenosides, for instance, favor binding to intracellular steroid hormone receptors. Triterpenes also include
phytosterols and phytoecdysteroids, both of which are thought to have adaptogenic roles in mammals. Phytosterols have been
studied more in food science than phytotherapy but are known to have immune function. Phytoecdysteroids are in common use by athletes and
weight lifters for the anabolic effects they produce. Rhaponticum carthamoides is notable for these compounds. Oxylipins are fatty acids that have been oxidized
and display prostaglandin-like activity due to a shape similar to leukotrienes. Examples are the hydroxylated fatty acids
in licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra.
In addition to the above constituents, many
adaptogens contain polysaccharides that have been reported to stimulate immune system components and have immune system enhancing
benefits. Polysaccharide rich plants have a long history of use in traditional practices such as Chinese medicine. In addition
to stimulating the immune system, they are used to increase vital energy and considered qi tonics.
Adaptogens that contain
polysaccharides include: American ginseng, Asian ginseng, astragalus, cordyceps, eleuthero, licorice, lycium, prince seng,
reishi, rhaponticum, and shatavari.
Maca is an
adaptogen which means that it is a superfood. Adaptogens maintain homeostasis, they assist in maintaining a balance
of the hormonal system and offer support to the immune system as well, as the following quote explains:
"(A)daptogens... are products
that help the body adapt through a broad range of physical and emotional stressors, and are considered safe for
long term use... (They)... have the effect of normalizing functions.
If a level is too high, it is lowered, or if it
is too low, it is raised...; (therefore) restoring the body’s natural state of homeostasis or harmonic balance (Dr.
Keneth Pelletier, Stanford University School of Medicine, 2000)."
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Adaptogen: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The word adaptogen is used by herbalists to refer to a natural
herb product that increases the body's resistance to stresses such as trauma, anxiety and bodily fatigue. In the past they
have been called rejuvenating herbs, qi tonics, rasayanas, or restoratives. All adaptogens contain antioxidants, but antioxidants
are not necessarily adaptogens and that is probably not their primary mode of action. Knowledge about adaptogens dates back thousands of years to ancient
India and China, but serious scientific study did not begin until the late 1940s. In 1947, Dr. Nikolai Lazarev defined an
adaptogen as an agent that allows the body to counter adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors by raising nonspecific
resistance toward such stress, thus allowing the organism to “adapt” to the stressful circumstances.
In
1968, Israel I. Brekhman, PhD, and Dr. I. V. Dardymov formally gave adaptogens a functional definition, as follows: An adaptogen
is nontoxic to the recipient. An
adaptogen produces a nonspecific response in the body, an increase in the power of resistance against multiple stressors including
physical, chemical, or biological agents. It has a normalizing influence on physiology, irrespective of the direction of change
from physiological norms caused by the stressor. Very simply, adaptogens are nontoxic in normal doses, produce a nonspecific
defensive response to stress, and have a normalizing influence on the body. They normalize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
axis (HPA axis). As defined, adaptogens constitute a new class of natural, homeostatic metabolic regulators. It is claimed that adaptogenic herbs are unique from other
substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system, and they help the body to maintain optimal
homeostasis. Adaptogens have a normalizing effect on the body and are capable of either toning down the activity of hyperfunctioning
systems or strengthening the activity of hypofunctioning systems. However they are also functional at the level of allostasis
which is a more dynamic reaction to long term stress, lacking the fixed reference points of homeostasis. Adaptogenic Herbs Most herbal adaptogens that have been identified have long been used
in either Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Adaptogens with a significant level of scientific research confirming
their use include: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), Eleuthero
(Eleutherococcus senticosus), Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Jiaogulan
(Gynostemma pentaphyllum), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Maca (Lepidium meyenii), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Rhaponticum
(Rhaponticum carthamoides or Stemmacantha carthamoides), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Chaga
mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) and Shilajit (Ashphaltum bitumen). Possible adaptogens with less scientific research include: Amla (Emblica officinalis),
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), Lycium (Lycium chinensis), Prince Seng (Pseudostellaria
heterophylla), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Suma (Pfaffia paniculata). Panax ginseng is an example of an adaptogen that has demonstrated an
"overall normalizing effect." Among the active ingredients found in Panax Ginseng are substances called ginsenosides.
The herb contains ginsenosides Rg1, which can stimulate the nervous system, and ginsenosides Rb1, which calms it. However
ginsenosides alone do not determine the active strength of ginseng and some preparations with higher ginsenosides have lower
activity, indicating that cofactors are necessary to potentiate the adaptogenic properties of ginseng. Since the 1940's, the soil in North America has been depleted
of it's natural minerals by the use of artificial fertilizers, created from the surplus nitrogen formally used in the manufacturing
of bombs in WWII. This chemical nitrogen has been used to replace the natural occurring microbial activity. These chemicals
and the use of toxic pesticide sprays may be responsible for the increase in desease as well as the lowered standard of health
that has swept the USA in the past 70 years. Maca
is grown naturally in the Peruvian Andes without the use of toxic fertilizer or pesticides. Maca also contains eighteen amino
acids to provide your body with the protein required to launch you into better health quickly and with no side effects.
If you are seeking an increase in stamina as well as in increase in metabolism, or seeking a natural suplement to increase
libido, Maca would be for you. Maca can give you the natural nutrition that you require to restore balance to the endocrine
system as well as to provide a greater boost in immunity, not to mention clarity and focus. |
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INCA GOLD LLC PO. Box 100 Badger, California 93603
For additional information,
Please e-mail us at healtherbs@aol.com or call our
office at 559.337.2222
 
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