There are 20 Amino Acids and they can be classified as either nonpolar or polar amino acids. These building blocks of protein are essential for muscle growth and development and their differences as to being polar or nonpolar rests mainly on their molecular structure. Polar amino acids are usually the amino acids generally exposed on the surface of proteins and they are the ones with side structures that participate in hydrogen bonding and in general have properties that favor contact with water.
What are the differences between Nonpolar and Polar Amino Acids?
Generally speaking, Nonpolar amino acids have no positive or negative charge and are not readily attracted to the naturally charged nature of water. Polar Amino acids on the other hand, are usually positively charged, negatively charged or uncharged and typically bonds with other charged particles or molecules. This means that polar amino acids are mostly responsible for the protein structures and sequences and can greatly aid in muscle growth and development.
The different Polar Amino Acids
There are ten (10) polar amino acids can be divided into three groups- positively charged polar amino acids such as arginine, lysine and histidine, negatively charged polar amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid and those uncharged polar amino acids such as asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine and tyrosine. What can these polar amino acids do for the human body?
Health Benefits of Polar Amino Acids
While the discussion on polar amino acids can seem very scientific, it all boils down to how they can benefit the human body. Below are some of the health benefits of Polar Amino Acids:
1. Arginine
This amino acid helps in giving that much needed pump of muscles and those wanting to feed their muscles the protein needed for muscle building. Basically, arginine helps in increasing blood flow and this in turn aids in faster growth for muscle fibers.
Dosage: Arginine is best taken in doses of 1 to 3 grams in the morning before working out and before going to bed
2. Lysine
This polar amino acid can actually help treat cold sores by blocking out excess arginine. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety by blocking out the hormones responsible for the said emotional and mental state.
Dosage: For the management of cold sores, the application of one (1) gram thrice a day is usually enough to help ease symptoms
3. Histidine
This essential and polar amino acid can actually help protect the heart, reduce blood pressure and help lessen rheumatoid arthritis. Histidine was shown to help address irregular heartbeats and the preservation of heart muscles. Evidence also suggests that it can lower blood pressure in a study conducted on obese rats.
Dosage: About one (1) to five (5) g of histidine is sufficient to help address rheumatoid arthritis
4. Aspartic Acid
This negatively charged polar amino acid is actually beneficial in increasing testosterone levels and growth hormones. Aspartic acid can also help improve insulin production, helping individuals manage their diabetes better.
Dosage: A safe dosage for aspartic acid would be 2.66 grams to 3.0 grams per day for adults. This should ideally provide the expected health benefits of Aspartic Acid.
5. Glutamic Acid
Muscle dystrophy and schizophrenia can actually be addressed by glutamic acid. Introducing glutamic acid can help aid in preventing muscle dystrophy and help in the development of muscle fibers. Patients with schizophrenia were also shown to have less glutamic acid. This may point to the conclusion that supplementation with glutamic acid can help prevent schizophrenia.
Dosage: The best and ideal dosage for glutamic acid is 500 to 1000 mg per day for significant health benefits.
6. Glutamine
This amino acid is an all around bodybuilder’s dream amino. It helps in faster muscle growth, improves the body’s recovery, enhances the immune system, helps improve digestion and metabolism, reduces fatigue during workouts and suppresses the need for sweets.
Dosage: Glutamine should be taken in doses of 1 to 3 grams twice to 4 times a day. It is recommended that glutamine dosage start small before moving up as taking the said amino acid may result in digestive tract concerns
7. Tyrosine
This amino acid helps in helping you stay alert and awake as it is a stimulant. It also has fat loss and appetite controlling properties.
Dosage: Tyrosine can be used to boost your workout session by taking 1 to 2 grams of the said amino acid an hour before working out
8. Serine
Serine is known to help address sclerosis, chronic fatigue, and sleeplessness.
Dosage: Serine can be taken in doses of 500 to 2000 mg.
9. Threonine
Similar to serine, threonine may help address lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It can also be used to treat spinal spasticity which is a condition caused by spinal damage.
Dosage: Dosing designed specifically for spinal cord damage should be limited to around 6 grams of threonine per day.
10. Asparagine
This amino acid is known for effectively helping people maintain central nervous system balance, fight against liver damage and aids in staving off fatigue.
Dosage: Modest intake of asparagine or around 6 grams of this amino acid is deemed safe in maximizing its health benefits.
Things To Consider before Taking Amino Acids
Amino acids are important in helping muscle growth. The ones listed above are specifically tailored for women who wish to increase their muscle growth and development. There are a number of caveats however, and they are as follows:
Tyrosine intake should be monitored and well thought out
Tyrosine is a stimulant and may adversely affect those with mental disorders. Those with identified mental issues should refrain from taking tyrosine. Tyrosine also helps in the production of melamine so people suffering from skin cancer should avoid this amino acid. Lastly, Tyrosine may trigger thyroid production and as such, those suffering from hyperthyroidism should avoid tyrosine intake
Arginine and Herpes
Those suffering from herpes should avoid arginine intake as the said amino acid can trigger herpes outbreaks
Amino Acids and Foods
Amino Acids do not work well when interacting with other whole foods in the system and they should be taken on an empty stomach.
