The importance of amino acids in muscle building : Top 9 Amino Acids You Can Find in common Food Sources (Part 4)

Glutathione 

Glutathione is something people with Parkinson's, cancer, multiple sclerosis or arthritis are often short of. Certain studies have experimented on patients suffering from Parkinson's by giving them a supplement filled with Glutathione for a period of 30 days. Their symptoms declined by 42%. This amino acid can be found in fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. There are supplements out there for you to try, but having a diet with fruits, vegetables, and different meats every day, combined with an antioxidant called lipoic acid, can boost your levels of glutathione just fine. No need to take glutathione as a separate supplement.

Glycine 

Those suffering from gout, schizophrenia or osteoarthritis are probably more than aware of the positive effects of glycine. Glycine supplements help break down uric acid in the kidneys. There are plenty of foods that contain this essential amino acid: sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, buckwheat flour…take your pick. An average daily intake of 3 to 5 grams should suffice. You can pretty much cover that amount from the foods outlined above.

But…but, I am a vegan! What now? 

It is true. We have mentioned many amino acids that are derived from red meat and fish. The majority of vegetarian foods, such as seeds and beans, contain only portions of the essential amino acids you must consume every day. Soy is the only exception to this because it is the only food source that is full of complete protein. The best solution for you, if you are a vegan, is to combine the many different non-meat food supplies mentioned above to form a full complimentary protein meal plan and reap the benefits of an essential-amino-acid-rich diet. Being a vegan also means being aware of the different amino acid sources to support protein absorption. If you realize that you have no access to such foods, consider taking a few supplements. They are always a great way to restock on those much needed essential amino acids.
 All in all, you have probably come to the same conclusion as me by now: proper AA intake should be a necessary ingredient of your daily food intake. Though supplementation can be a great asset, do not ever forget that the majority of the protein, and other nutrients, should always come from whole and unprocessed foods and vegetables. Eating meat, eggs, soy, dairy products, seeds, and beans should give you enough amino acids to get you through the day and beyond.