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Writer's pictureJanelle Lynn

Essential Amino Acids: The Power of Fueling Your Body

The Building Blocks of Life

Explore the fascinating world of proteins and amino acids, where the essential building blocks of our food come together to support essential body functions. These tiny but mighty components play a vital role in maintaining our health, from muscle building to hormone production and beyond.


Let's jump right into the myth-busting world of complete and incomplete proteins,. The truth is that all protein sources contain essential amino acids. However, it's not apples to apples when measuring the overall profile and knowing this can save you from a metabolic mess.



I was recently reminded about how touchy the subject of complete, incomplete and complimentary protein labels is. I commented on a beautifully selected combination of plant-based proteins, that in the volume that was shown and together showed a full amino acid profile for the day. I am a little less scientific about it all, and in my experience, if you enjoy a broader selection of proteins over the course your meals, you've got it covered. To be clear, plant-based meals do not need to be 'balanced'. Unfortunately, in my experience as a nutritionist, many people who are primarily plant-based, do not realize this and often don't cover this profile adequately and over time we see it in the metabolism.


The origins of the 'complete v incomplete' protein 'myth' was corrected over 20 years ago. The history of protein research and its impact on our understanding of nutrition has come a long way since then as well. digestion and absorption, shedding light on the body's remarkable ability to balance amino acid intake no matter what the source.


The myth of complete vs incomplete proteins originated from early research conducted in the 1950s and 1960s that suggested animal-based proteins contained all the essential amino acids necessary for human health, while plant-based proteins were considered incomplete because they were believed to lack certain essential amino acids. This led to the misconception that individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet needed to carefully combine different plant-based proteins to ensure they were getting all the essential amino acids they needed.


Further research showed that while some plant-based proteins may be lower in certain essential amino acids, a varied and balanced plant-based diet can still provide all the essential amino acids necessary for optimal health. Additionally, our bodies have the ability to store and recycle amino acids, ensuring that even if a meal is lacking in a specific amino acid, our bodies can still maintain a proper balance over time.


We are now witness the evolution of our knowledge of the body's ability to digest and absorb amino acids from different protein sources can vary, with factors such as cooking methods, processing, and individual physiology playing a role in how effectively our bodies can utilize the protein we consume.


Ah, here we are able to reveal the secrets of essential amino acids and their unique benefits, from immune support and muscle growth to collagen formation and neurotransmitter production. Learn how each amino acid plays a specific role in maintaining your body's functions and how you can harness their powers through a diverse diet rich in protein sources.


Understand the simplicity of dietary variety as the key to meeting your amino acid needs and discover the joy of creating balanced meals that nourish your body from within. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a health-conscious individual, let the magic of essential amino acids guide you towards a path of optimal nutrition and wellness.


Well there it is, debunk the all the myths and embrace the truths of essential amino acids to fuel your body. With a deeper understanding of these critical nutrients, you can make informed choices and optimize your healing potential. So, savor every bite of protein-rich goodness and let it fuel your body, mind, and soul.

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