What are Hydrophilic Amino Acids?

Protein helps in muscle building and development and as such, is very important for the human body to be able to function well and accomplish daily tasks. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids and there are a number of classifications or types of this essential acid. The different types of amino acids are hydrophobic, hydrophilic, polar and nonpolar.Each of these types of amino acids play their own unique role in the development of muscle and tissue. As the name implies, hydrophobic amino acids react negatively or gravitate away from aqueous components while hydrophilic amino acids react positively or gravitate towards aqueous components. This may all seem too scientific and people may still need to know more about hydrophilic amino acids . For a better understanding In this article, we will look into the different hydrophilic amino acids and how they can benefit our bodies.

What are the Hydrophilic Amino Acids?

As stated earlier, hydrophilic amino acids tend to align themselves with aqueous or watery components and is essential for the body to function well. Below is a list of these hydrophilic amino acids:

1. Arginine – With a three (3) letter symbol of Arg and single letter symbol of R
2. Asparagine – With a three (3) letter symbol of N and single letter symbol of ASN
3. Aspartate – With a three (3) letter symbol of Asp and single letter symbol of D
4. Glutamine – With a three (3) letter symbol of Gln and single letter symbol of Q
5. Glutamate – With codons of either GAG or GAA
6. Histidine – With a three (3) letter symbol of His and single letter symbol of H
7. Lysine – With a three (3) letter symbol of Lys and single letter symbol of K
8. Threonine – With codons of either ACG, ACC, ACA and ACU

What are the Health Benefits of these Hydrophilic amino acids?

• Arginine

This conditionally essential amino acid has been proven to address hypertension, improve blood circulation, lessen the risk of heart diseases, reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, help reduce fat and triglycerides, stimulate the immune system, lower anxiety, increase stamina, enhance the faster healing of wounds, assist in retaining memories during old age, possibly increase fertility and delay signs of aging.

• Asparagine

Asparagine is a nonessential amino acid and may help the body in terms of maintaining the balance of the central nervous system and supplementing other products used in skin care. Products that have asparagine have been shown to address sun damage, eczema, acne, dry skin and early signs of aging.

• Aspartate

Aspartate is widely recognized as supplement to boost athletic performance. It also has other health benefits such as increased absorption of vitamins and minerals by the body, prevention of liver cirrhosis and increased mineral levels in the body.

• Glutamine

Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that can provide a number of health benefits such as improving the cell growth of the gut, repairing and improving the symptoms of a leaky gut, and improving flow of minerals in the gut, supporting and boosting the immune system, improving wound healing, assisting the body in decreasing the effects of chemotherapy, assisting the body in improving surgery recovery, increasing nitrogen supply in the body, preventing decrease in the other amino acids, building and developing muscle fibers, protecting the body against stress, protecting the body during heart attacks and preventing the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Glutamate

One of the most abundant amino acid in the body present in both the human brain and muscle fibers, glutamate has numerous health benefits for the body. Glutamate has been shown to improve brain function, acts as a precursor to GABA or gamma- aminobutyric acid, improve gut function, improve appetite and the feeling of being full or satiety, enhance the body’s immunity, increase cell longevity, improve bone health and resilience and provide energy to muscles during physical activities.

• Histidine

Being deficient in Histidine can adversely affect the overall health of an individual since it is an essential amino acid that address a number of health benefits and aids in the different bodily functions particularly those involving the muscles. Histidine has been shown to protect the heart, lower blood pressure and help against hypertension, provide the body with its much needed antioxidants, lessen inflammation, aid the body against diabetes, prevent obesity, help protect the skin, enhance the function of the brain, control and lessen seizures and protect the eyes from diseases such as cataracts.

• Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid that acts as a building block to many other proteins needed by the body in order to function. Evidence suggest that lysine can help in the treatment of herpes, aid in forming collagen, reduce feelings of anxiety, help in lessening the complications of diabetes, improve insulin production, lower blood sugar levels, reduce the inflammation of the pancreas, improve heart function, enhance bone strength and significantly improve growth in children.

• Threonine

Threonine is an essential amino acid that is very important in balancing the protein of the body. The health benefits of threonine include protecting the digestive tract, boosting the immune system and improve overall mental and cognitive function

Some Considerations in taking hydrophilic amino acids as a supplement

Listed above are some of the impressive health benefits of hydrophilic amino acids. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some considerations that people or patients may want to look into before fully committing themselves full time to taking hydrophilic amino acids as a supplement. Below are a few of these possible considerations:

1. Seek Professional Medical Advice

Each person is unique and the specific needs of a patient can only really be identified by a professional health worker. Doctors can look at your overall health and determine which hydrophilic aminos can be used to improve your health.

2. Choose the right nonpolar amino acid for you

Amino acids come in different types and forms and they specifically address certain health issues such as mental disorders, stress and anxiety and muscle development and growth. Knowing your body’s exact needs can help your doctor give better recommendations in terms of amino acid supplementation.