From just 20 amino acids, our bodies make all the proteins we need to be living, functioning human beings. Each amino acid has unique properties that contribute to building a better body.
11 of these amino acids are nonessential...which doesn't mean we don't need them. Rather, it means that our bodies are capable of building them on our own.
That leaves nine amino acids known as the essential amino acids. These amino acids cannot be made by the body, and instead must be consumed, either in food or in a supplement.
One of these powerful protein chains is lysine. It plays an important role in the body and has some pretty cool benefits. Let’s jump into the critical role that lysine plays in our bodies.
Like the other essential amino acids, lysine is best absorbed from foods we eat. Then, our bodies can use it to build other necessary structures such as collagen, enzymes and hormones.
The most abundant sources of lysine are animal products including meat and collagen, eggs, fish, brewer’s yeast and some cheeses. If you are worried that you may not be getting enough lysine, you may want to consider supplementing with a lysine supplement or collagen powder consisting of hydrolyzed collagen peptides into a highly bioavailable size meaning that it is readily used and absorbed by the body.
Grains aren't usually known as significant sources of amino acids, but there are some exceptions. Quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth and seitan are all good sources of lysine. If you want to find a plant-based lysine source, try pumpkin seeds, pistachios, lentils or edamame.
Collagen is one of the most important, abundant proteins in the body, as it provides structure to bones and organs and gives skin its elasticity. It makes up most connective tissues, such as cartilage and fascia.
Collagen, like other proteins, is built from amino acids. While proline is the most concentrated, accounting for 17% of its make up, lysine is important too, helping stimulate the body’s production of collagen when consumed. This is super important as we age, which like it or not, is happening all the time. As we grow older, our collagen stores break down while production slows. This leads to sagging, wrinkly skin and, worse, weak joints. Maintain high collagen production by consuming peptides, which may help ease this process.
Lysine is important for other bodily functions as well. It helps the body absorb nutrients such as calcium, iron and zinc. It also helps our bodies retain minerals. One study that followed women with normal bones and osteoporosis found that supplementing a healthy lifestyle rich in calcium with lysine led to less calcium lost through waste.
Lysine has some unusual benefits. Some studies suggest that it may prevent blisters and cold sores associated with the herpes virus. When the subject’s blood lysine was above a certain level, they did not experience cold sores...however, when lysine levels dropped the issues returned. Researchers suggested that it may be used to prevent future outbreaks.
Lysine has also been used to help treat stress in men. One study found it effective for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, scientists are currently studying its application in treating people with schizophrenia.
There are a few studies that have found that lysine may reduce healing time for wounds and fractures. A study that used a lysine gel showed that wounds treated with the gel healed faster than those treated without it. It was also shown to cut down the healing time on fractures. This may be because lysine promotes collagen growth, which helps provide structure to skin and connective tissue.
Like all essential amino acids, lysine is necessary for maintaining a strong body and a healthy immune system.
BUBS Naturals is committed to helping you build a better body through what you eat and how you exercise so that you can stay healthy and strong for years to come. Our Collagen Peptides are naturally sourced and contain the lysine and other amino acids you need to build muscle, fortify skin and nails, etc.
Lysine, alongside 8 other essential amino acids can help fortify your body like nothing else. Whether you’re looking to minimize post-workout recovery times or improve skin health, lysine is your ticket to healthier, happier living through the power of amino acids.