Sometimes referred to as the building blocks of protein, amino acids are organic compounds that our body uses to help form protein. A lot of our amino acid intake comes from the foods we eat, and if our diet isn’t rich in protein, we may not be receiving enough essential amino acids and should probably consider nutritional supplements.

Proper amino acid levels are important for:

• Building muscle and promoting post-workout recovery
• Supporting healthy tissue and muscle development
• Promoting healthy circulatory and cardiovascular systems
• Supporting healthy nervous and endocrine systems
• Promoting healthy energy production

• Building muscle and promoting post-workout recovery
• Supporting healthy tissue and muscle development
• Promoting healthy circulatory and cardiovascular systems
• Supporting healthy nervous and endocrine systems
• Promoting healthy energy production

• Eggs are an excellent source. Some studies have indicated that our body may utilize the amino acids provided by eggs better than it does from various other food sources.
• Cold-water fish and fish oil supplements not only contain important omega-3s, but also contain essential amino acids and other important micronutrients.
• Depending on what kind we consume, anywhere from 17% to 45% of the protein in legumes and beans are rich in lysine.
• Mushrooms are also a good source because they contain all of the essential amino acids.
• Cottage cheese contains significant quantities of several amino acids, and a single 100-gram serving will provide us with about 25% of our daily value of protein.