Isoleucine sources, health benefits and uses
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 by Earl Garcia
http://www.naturalpedia.com/isoleucine-sources-health-benefits-and-uses.html
Isoleucine is an amino acid that was discovered in 1904. According to the Amino Acid Studies website, isoleucine is classified as an essential amino acid. This means that the body cannot produce the important nutrient. Thus, it has to be obtained from various food sources to meet the body’s isoleucine requirements. Isoleucine has a very low toxicity, and along with two other amno acids leucine and valine make up nearly 70 percent of all the amino acids in the body’s proteins.
Isoleucine can be found in peas and legumes such as peanuts, chickpeas, red kidney beans and adzuki beans as well as navy beans, soybeans, and lentils. Nuts and seeds also contain abundant levels of isoleucine. These food sources include pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds as well as Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts. Cereal grains — such as rice bran, millet, oatmeal, and oat bran — green leafy vegetables, meat, and dairy products are also excellent sources of isoleucine.
Medicinal uses for isoleucine
Isoleucine is best known for its positive effects on muscle health and the body’s overall endurance. An article posted on the Amino Acids Guide website notes that the amino acid’s primary function is to increase energy levels and aid the body in recovering from strenuous physical activities. This is especially beneficial among athletes and body builders who want to improve physical performance.
Likewise, the amino acid is shown to promote tissue healing after a surgery. Isoleucine is also found to possess anabolic effects on the muscle protein synthesis, which in turn may help stave off various abnormalities such as muscular dystrophy, muscle wasting, and muscle protein loss. The nutrient is also particularly beneficial for children and teens during their growing years.
Isoleucine plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels as well. This makes the amino acid an important nutrient in regulating and stabilizing glycemia and preventing the onset of diabetes.
The amino acid is also known to promote mental alertness and facilitate the production of essential components for certain biochemical elements. Isoleucine is notably effective in improving mood and mental functioning, according to an entry on Your Health Remedy website. The essential amino acid is also touted to prevent the onset of various mental issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and nervousness.
In addition, isoleucine is shown to promote proteinogenesis that serves an important part in the structure and function of antibodies. This renders the amino acid vital in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system.
The amino acid is found to support the blood circulation as well. An entry published on the Botanical Online website states that isoleucine is necessary in hemoglobin production. The article also notes that isoleucine helps ensure the function of hemoglobin across the body. Hemoglobin deficiency is characterized by difficult recovery from wounds, bone fractures, and blood clotting.
Body systems supported by isoleucine
Isoleucine is vital in promoting muscle health and preventing related diseases. Likewise, it facilitates hemoglobin production and improves overall blood circulation. The amino acid is also known to bolster the nervous system’s health. Isoleucine fortifies the immune system and speeds up recovery from bone damage.
Where to learn more
- The Lowdown on BCAAs: Why You Should Take Branched Chain Amino Acids
- What Foods Are High in Amino Acids?
- Are Your Kids Getting Enough Protein?
- 5 Best Fitness Supplements to Prevent Burn-Out
- Amino acids shown to be effective at treating brain injuries
Summary
Isoleucine staves off muscular dystrophy, muscle wasting, and muscle protein loss.
Isoleucine prevents diabetes, stress, and anxiety as well as depression and nervousness.
Isoleucine keeps wounds, bone fractures, and blood clotting in check.
Isoleucine helps promote muscle health and fend off related diseases.
Isoleucine boosts hemoglobin production and overall blood circulation.
Isoleucine fortifies both the immune and the central nervous systems.
Sources include:
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