Amino acids are essential for rock hard muscle building

The Oxford dictionary defines protein as any group of organic compounds composed of one or more chains of amino acids, forming an essential part of all living organisms. It is responsible for nearly all the molecular processes of our bodies. It’s required for the structure, function and regulation of our cells, tissues and organs, supporting growth, immune function and hormone regulation. A deficiency in this particular macronutrient can result in muscle loss, water retention, anemia, slow growth in children a plethora of other issues. It is a crucial component of a healthy diet plan.
What is an amino acid? An amino acid is one of the 20 standard building blocks of protein. Eight of these are essential, meaning they cannot be synthesized in our cells and need to be consumed through our diet. All essential amino acids are found in complete proteins (hence the term complete). The best sources of these are animal products such as meat, eggs, poultry, fish, milk and cheese.

Incomplete proteins (essential) are either missing, or cannot supply enough of one or more of the essential amino acids. These are found in plant sources. With some knowledge and a little planning, incomplete choices can be made complete through certain combinations, allowing for a vegetarian or vegan diet if so desired. For example, a combination of rice and beans makes up a complete protein. The same applies to oats with walnuts, or barley with chickpeas.

The importance of amino acids is limitless. They directly interact with vitamins and minerals, ensuring they serve their purpose. Aminos have also been shown to regulate our sleep cycle, aid in the production of hormones, lower cholesterol levels, improve memory, increase metabolism, promote wound healing and immune system function, clear free radicals, ease arthritis, and the list goes on.

Choose your foods from a variety of lean choices such as lean poultry, fish, low fat dairy and even lean or extra lean cuts of beef or buffalo. Add it to a salad, sandwich or soup for an easy to prepare meal or snack that will help you get those 6 pack abs!

If you love smoothies, or are always on the run, try a high quality whey protein for fat loss!

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Very Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:

•1 cup of frozen mixed berries

•1 scoop of whey powder (any flavor)

•½ cup fat free vanilla yogurt

•8 ice cubes

•Splash of water
Preparation:
Blend until smooth.
Vanilla Mango Smoothie
Ingredients:
•1 cup frozen mango cubes

•1/2 cup organic vanilla yogurt

•1/2 cup cold water

•1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
Preperation:

Add all ingredients to blender and blend on high until rich and smooth.

About Shauna
	Shauna is a personal trainer, nutrition consultant and health and fitness writer for Workoutbox.com. She is also the creator of the "Soccer Mom weight loss program". Read more

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