Amino acids are the tiny building blocks that make & regulate all the zillions of cells in our body.

Amino acids are found in food proteins.

There are 8 essential amino acids - these are not produced by the body so must be found in foods. See table below.

A further 4 amino acids are essential for children as their bodies are not yet able to produce their own.  See table below

>> 8 essential amino acids  
>> 4 essential amio acids for kids


                                                                                        

		8 Essential Amino Acids
	tryptophan	Needed to produce vitamin B3 (niacin). Needed to produce  serotonin - aids normal sleep patterns & mood. promotes the  release of growth hormone.  Good sources:  Chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, peanuts
	lysine	Required for growth & bone development in children, helps  regulate nitrogen levels in the body & maintain lean body mass.  Needed to produce antibodies, collagen, hormones & enzymes.  Good sources:  Green beans, lentils, soybean, spinach & amaranth -
	methionine	Breaks down fats & prevents clogged arteries. Helps keep  digestive system healthy & the body detox heavy metals.   Detoxes the liver.  Good sources:  Peanuts, sesame seeds, whole lentils (& eggs)
	valine	Needed for muscle metabolism, regulates blood sugar & energy  levels.  Good sources:  Grains, mushrooms, peanuts &  soy proteins
	leucine	Regulates blood sugar & energy levels - produces growth  hormones, & helps repair muscle tissue.  Good sources:  Sesame, peanuts, dry lentils, seeds, soy, wheat, almonds (&  eggs) -
	isoleucine	Stabilizes blood sugar & energy levels. Needed to create  hemoglobin (oxygen carrying red blood cells that contain iron)  Good sources:  Lentils, seeds, soy, wheat, almonds (& eggs) -
	threonine	Helps regulate protein levels, creation of collagen & elastin in the skin.  Good sources:  Beans nuts & seeds (& eggs) -
	phenylanine	Involved in the nervous system, helps memory & learning. Used  to elevate the mood, promotes alertness & dopamine.  Good sources:  Almonds, avocados, lima beans, peanuts & seeds

		cysteine	4 Essential Amino Acids for Kids  Non-essential amino acid made from methionine. Helps rid the  body of harmful toxins. Helps protect liver & brain.  Skin hair & hair contain cysteine - important in collagen  production & skin elasticity.  Good sources:  Red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, brussel sprouts,  oats, wheat germ (& egg yolks) -
		tyrosine	Non-essential amino acid helps the proper function of the thyroid   pituitary & adrenal glands. Assists in reducing body fat &  suppressing the appetite, healthy production of skin & hair  pigment.  Good sources:  Soy products, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, lima  beans, pumpkin seeds & sesame seeds  Can be made in our bodies from phenylanine  -
		histidine	After a few years old human bodies will produce their own  histidine.  Protects nerve cells & is needed for the production of red &  white blood. Protects the body from radiation damage & helps  remove heavy metals from the body.  Good sources:  Hemp protein - seeds & oil -
		arginine	After a few months old human bodies will produce their own   arginine.  Strengthens the immune system, promotes male fertility &  regulates hormones (pituitary gland, pancreas & growth hormone)  Avoid if you have herpes - arginine promotes this cell growth.  Good sources:  Pumpkin seeds, soy beans, hemp protein - seeds & oil