An amino acid, L-Arginine is popular for muscle strength, especially for athletic performance. But it’s not just for bodybuilders, it’s also great for your biggest muscle — the heart. Since L-Arginine has a positive effect on circulation and blood vessels, it also helps maintain cholesterol levels already in the normal range.

10 Big Benefits of L-Arginine

A good multi-purpose amino acid, L-Arginine:

1. Contributes to muscle strength
2. Supports heart health
3. Plays a role in making nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels
4. Fosters reproductive health
5. Is a major component of collagen, important for skin and connective tissue
6. Supports immune system health
7. Promotes weight loss
8. Plays a role in metabolism and release of growth hormones
9. Fosters physical strength
10. Helps rid body of ammonia

Foods rich in L-arginine include plant and animal proteins, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and nuts.

What are Amino Acids Anyway?

If you built the foundation of your home on crumbling cinder blocks, it wouldn’t be very sturdy, would it? Same principle applies to amino acids. Amino acids form the building blocks of the proteins needed for the growth, repair and maintenance of healthy muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails and hair. Amino acids also play a role in hormones and metabolism making them vital for daily energy and weight management.

The first few amino acids were discovered by French scientists about 200 years ago. There are over 20 amino acids, nine of which are known to be essential, meaning it is essential that you obtain them from your diet since your body does not create them or store them. Failure to get enough of even one of them due to stress, age or certain medications can result in loss of protein and good health.

Other Important Amino Acids

Besides L-Arginine, here are a few more amino acids considered important to good health.

Carnitine

Carnitine boosts energy because it shuttles long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing centers of the cells (known as mitochondria). In the last few years, it’s become popular the heart muscle and brain health, making it a good anti-aging option.

Glutamine

The most abundant amino acid in the body, glutamine is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. It converts to glucose when more energy is required and assists in maintaining the proper pH in the body, often needed to combat our diet of prepared foods.

Leucine – (Essential)

The second most common amino acid found in proteins, leucine works with other aminos to keep muscles, skin and bones healthy.

Lysine – (Essential)

One of the better known aminos for immune health, lysine plays an important role in the production of antibodies. It helps your body absorb and conserve calcium, important for bone development and the formation of collagen.

Taurine

Often found in vision supplements due to its antioxidant properties, taurine helps the contraction and pumping action of the heart muscle. It also plays a role in the digestion of fats.

Methionine – (Essential)

Methionine supplies sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth. It assists in breaking down fats while supporting brain, heart and kidney health.

Tryptophan – (Essential)