Amino acids are often referred to as the basic building blocks of life. They enable the synthesis of so-called proteins, which in turn make up human cells.
In this article, you will learn why amino acids are so important for your body and what role oats play in this context!
Essential amino acids in VERVIAL oats!
What exactly are amino acids?
Amino acids themselves are made up of different compounds between nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. They differ in terms of their functions and structure and are therefore divided into many different categories. Where the so-called “functional group” occurs in the molecule is often crucial for this classification.
The functional groups are largely responsible for the properties that a molecule displays externally and how it reacts with other molecules. These properties include, for example, size, spatial form and charge.
In addition, the pH value of the surrounding environment is crucial for amino acids. Depending on the nature of their environment, they can react either alkaline or acidic. The pH value in our body therefore has a decisive influence on this.
Which amino acids are there?
Essential and non-essential amino acids
In principle, amino acids can be divided into essential and non-essential amino acids in the context of nutrition. The body can produce a large proportion of these itself; these are referred to as non-essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids, on the other hand, can only be supplied to the body through a healthy diet. That is why oats are often recommended in sports nutrition, as they contain a large proportion of essential amino acids in addition to vitamins and minerals.
Semi-essential amino acids
Semi-essential amino acids are those that the body can produce itself from other essential (i.e. vital) amino acids.
They are therefore also referred to as “conditionally essential” amino acids. If certain amino acids are no longer available to the body and thus a certain endogenous (to-be-produced) substance, it can lead to the restriction of certain bodily functions.
Proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids
Proteinogenic amino acids are involved in the process of translation (translation from gene to protein) and thus ensure protein biosynthesis. These are often also called L-amino acids because of their so-called L-configuration.
More than 20 different amino acids are currently known. By contrast, those that are not involved in protein synthesis are referred to as non-proteinogenic amino acids. Nevertheless, they are responsible for many other processes in the body. More than 400 different bodily functions are known to date.
α-amino acids, β-amino acids and γ-amino acids
Every amino acid consists of several carbon atoms. The subdivision into α-amino acids, β-amino acids and γ-amino acids indicates the carbon atom on which the functional groups (also called amino groups) are located.
In this context, the term amino acids generally refers to the so-called L-α-amino acids, i.e. the particularly important proteinogenic amino acids.
The most important amino acids in oats
Oats (Latin: Avena sativa ) are rich in minerals and vitamins. They are considered to be one of the most nutritious types of grain. But they contain more than just minerals and vitamins. Oats are one of the foods best suited for absorbing amino acids.
This is because oats contain a number of essential amino acids. A lack of amino acids can make you tired and weaken your immune system – prevent this with oats, for example as porridge for breakfast!
All of these amino acids are naturally present in oats:
- leucine
- lysine
- Methionine (& Cysteine)
- Phenylalanine (& Tyrosine)
- Valine
- Histidine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Arginine
What effect do amino acids have in oats?
Unlike synthetically produced supplements, oats are naturally rich in amino acids. The amino acids have a positive effect on muscle building and are therefore perfect for athletes of all kinds.
In addition, the fiber it contains, beta glucan, can help lower cholesterol levels. This also helps prevent cardiovascular disease. What's more, oats are the perfect food to eat before exercise. It's a true superfood!
Oats for breakfast – find out more!
The function of amino acids
Leucine
Leucine is an important component for building muscles. It supports protein biosynthesis in the muscles and liver and inhibits the breakdown of proteins in the muscles. It also helps in various healing processes.
Especially athletes who need a lot of power can benefit from this natural energy supply during their workouts. With VERIVAL Sport products, you can ideally meet your energy and protein needs.
Lysine
Lysine affects your connective and muscle tissue. It is particularly important during pregnancy as it supports bone growth and cell division. A deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system.
Methionine & cysteine
is also involved in the formation of muscle tissue and is an important component in the synthesis of cysteine. In addition, methionine plays a crucial role in fat metabolism.
Phenylalanine & Tyrosine
These amino acids are involved in the formation of a number of hormones and support the formation of muscle tissue. Phenylalanine is best known for the synthesis of the happiness hormone dopamine.
Valine
Valine has a particular influence on the function of nerves because it promotes the metabolism of neurotransmitters. These have a corresponding influence on the transmission of stimuli and thus ensure a smooth exchange of information between the individual nerve cells.
Histidine
Your body needs histidine as a binding agent for iron together with the blood pigment hemoglobin and the muscle pigment myoblobin.
Threonine
Threonine can be found in your body in bones and teeth. This amino acid is found in collagen and thus also serves to protect tendons and ligaments.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is considered to be the happy amino acid in the body. This is because this amino acid is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin and thus has a mood-lifting effect.
Arginine
Arginine improves the absorption of blood, oxygen and nutrients by the muscle cell. It thus ensures better blood circulation in the muscles of strength athletes.
Have a healthy and sustainable breakfast with VERIVAL Porridge
Oats have been known as a natural remedy for a long time. Due to its high fiber content, it often has a healing effect on gastrointestinal complaints. It is often used to support detoxification treatments because it helps to flush out metabolic products.
In addition, when applied externally, its various ingredients have a beneficial effect on rheumatism and joint pain.
Of course, a certain amount of grain is essential for a balanced diet. You should make sure that you eat organic oats if possible.
Since your body needs a good foundation for the day as early as the morning, we recommend a healthy breakfast: porridge from VERIVAL.
Whether vegan, gluten-free or without added sugar, our range offers a great selection for all diets and preferences. Our breakfast products such as porridge, muesli and granola are produced in Tyrol.
Careful and gentle production is particularly important to us. This is how unique organic food is created. We are convinced that you can see, smell and taste the difference.
