Vegan Sources Of Amino Acids
Amino Acids on a Vegan Diet: Lysine
One of the most important amino acids is lysine, which vegans need to pay extra attention to. We’ve created a helpful infographic chart with the best vegan sources of amino acids to ensure you’re meeting your essential protein needs for a healthy vegan lifestyle.
With 20 amino acids that our body uses regularly to build various proteins, we have evolved with the ability to make 11 of those through the food we consume. The remaining 9 are essential amino acids, which we must obtain through our diet.
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So why is lysine so important?
It’s the least abundant amino acid to come by when consuming vegan food. Plant proteins high in lysine are also great sources of many of the other essential amino acids.
By focusing on lysine and eating a balanced plant-based diet, you can ensure you’re getting your essential amino acid needs met, and thereby provide your body with all the unique building blocks it needs to make everything from muscle fibers to neurotransmitters in the brain.
Amino acids are the building blocks of our bodies. Lysine is essential for the proper growth and production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into fuel our bodies use to lower cholesterol.
It helps the body to absorb calcium for bone strength and aids in the production of collagen, which helps keep our skin looking youthful. Deficiencies of lysine can lead to nausea, fatigue, depression, muscle depletion, and even osteoporosis.
Eating a varied diet of whole, plant-based foods will provide you with all the essential amino acids your body requires for growth, repair, and overall health.
Getting protein from a vegan diet is easy if you are eating the right foods. While carbs and fats have a place in our diets, everyone knows that protein is a nutrient we shouldn’t leave out.
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