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The amino acids - nutrition
The concept of amino acids is closely linked to protein, which has led many people to assume that a vegetarian diet may lack this nutrient, which in turn leads to the need to obtain them through supplements. However, this belief is erroneous and far from reality.
Amino acids are essential for the maintenance of human life, and their functions in our body are essential, as we depend on them for the proper functioning of the body. Below, we will discuss the key aspects that characterize them, their characteristics and their presence in a vegetarian diet.
It is vital to learn how to incorporate them through foods rich in amino acids, which will allow us to enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet that contributes to our health.
Amino acids are compounds that, when combined, form proteins. Some amino acids can be synthesized by the body itself, and these are known as "non-essential amino acids". On the other hand, there are amino acids that the body cannot produce, so they must be obtained from external sources, these are the "essential amino acids".
In addition, there is a third classification known as "conditional amino acids". These are essential to combat various diseases and ailments. Regardless of the type, all amino acids are necessary for the body, although it is not necessary for every meal to contain all three types. It is important, however, that throughout a balanced diet, their adequate intake is sought.
Amino acids are responsible for breaking down the food we eat, when they bind together, they enable the formation of proteins, strengthen the immune system and speed up our metabolism. They are also crucial in the production and repair of muscle tissue, thus promoting body growth. In addition, they are collagen producers, which means they have an important impact on our skin and connective tissues.
A lack of amino acids in the body can have very harmful consequences. Problems can range from difficulties in muscle growth and development, to chronic digestive problems, malnutrition and various malformations. It is crucial to avoid amino acid deficiency in diets, especially in the case of children, since a deficit can cause serious and often irreversible problems in their development.
Amino acids are present in a variety of foods. Meat, eggs, fish and dairy products are rich in amino acids. Also legumes and nuts are natural sources of these nutrients. So you can see that a vegetarian diet presents no difficulty in maintaining a diet rich in amino acids, it is enough to consume more than 100 grams of legumes, some nuts or a little soy to meet your daily amino acid requirements.
It is also important to mention that the vegetarian diet allows the consumption of eggs and dairy products, which makes it easier to combine the diet with these products to make it more varied and nutritious. An egg at breakfast and half a glass of milk are more than enough to obtain all the necessary amino acids. The options are diverse, so we can safely say that the vegetarian diet offers a wide variety of sources of amino acids.
