Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins are necessary for the growth, repair as well as maintenance of all our vital organs. Amino acids that the body derives from our daily diet are called as ‘essential amino acids’ while ‘non essential amino acids’ refer to those which the body can produce from other sources. Non essential amino acids can either be obtained from essential amino acids or even normal breakdown of proteins. There are 20 amino acids and each one of them has a unique role to play, irrespective of whether it is essential or non essential. Thus, vegetarians are usually recommended to take amino acid supplements, since plants lack one or more essential amino acids.

L-Arginine is an amino acid which helps our body oxidize glucose and fat and increase the body’s lean muscle mass. It is responsible for performing many numerous functions in our body. Our body produces L-arginine with the helps of other enzymes, but at a fairly inefficient rate. So patients with a history of cardiovascular dysfunction or any other heart disease are likely to get benefited from L-Arginine supplementation. Supplements of L-arginine prevent platelet aggregation and lowers blood pressure. L-arginine when taken in safe amounts can benefit men having sterility problems. Many body-builders also use it as a supplement because it improves blood circulation and stimulates the release of nitric oxide which in turn dilates the blood vessel. High protein food like nuts, dairy products, meat, seafood and chocolate are rich in L-arginine.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs most abundantly in the body by being released from muscles under stress. Aside from increasing the immune system’s efficiency to fight diseases, it also takes care of the normal functioning of the brain and the digestive system through the removal of excess ammonia in the body. A number of factors, such as stress, infections, injuries and surgery affect the levels of glutamine in the system, showing that the healing process is under way. Glutamine supplements may be used by regular exercisers to help in the recovery of muscular fitness after a workout. Glutamine, however, is known to be linked with infections of the intestine and users are advised to seek advice from professionals before ingesting this amino acid.

L-Isoleucine is one of the amino acids besides the other two, L-Valine and L-Leucine. These are found in all the forms of life as proteins. They are as well obtainable in the diet through vegetable and animal sources. L-Isoleucine is good to regulated blood sugar as well the energy levels. It is also important in the synthesis of hemoglobulin and thereby increases endurance. L-Isolecuine gets metabolized in the tissues of the muscles and the opulent L-Isolecuine sources are almonds, cashews and soy protein. Hence, this is prominent among athletes and is taken in combination with the other two amino acids, L-Leucine and L-Valine. L-Isoleucine is required for the formation of hemoglobin and also regulates as well as stabilizes the energy levels. The other food sources of L-Isoleucine are eggs, meat, fish, rye, chickpeas, chicken, liver and lentils. People suffering from physical and mental disorders are usually deficient in L-Isoleucine. These amino acids are required for the synthesis of enzymes, structural protein and for hormones.

L-Leucine is an essential amino acid that works together with isoleucine and valine, forming the three branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Leucine is easily converted by to body to glucose, helping to regulate and maintain the blood sugar level. Leucine promotes muscle recovery, muscle repair and provides the body with energy. It also helps in burning fat that are least responsive to exercise and dieting. Leucine helps in toning the body and the muscles. Leucine prevents muscle loss by breaking down and converting to glucose, this prevents the body from breaking down muscle tissues to create energy, particularly during intense workouts and heavy weight lifting.

L-Valine is an amino acid with stimulant activities. It not only helps in tissue repair but also promotes muscle growth. It is one of the three branched amino acids that are formulated for providing support to the human body for normal functioning. Derived from animal and vegetable protein, L-Valine is not only involved in the synthesis of protein and metabolism of glucose but it also regulates the immune system. L-Valine is also effective in maintaining the exercise recovery time and the balance of nitrogen in the body. Since the human body doesn’t produce this amino acid naturally, you need to acquire it through dietary supplements and food items. When taking L-Valine supplements, you must follow strict directions from the physician. Even though it doesn’t have any side effects, it helps to consult the physician before its usage.

Stevia is perhaps the sweetest response to diabetes being the only natural sweetener available in the market. This South American native sweetener plant is being used for more than four hundred years in Paraguay and other countries worldwide. This plant belongs to the sunflower family and as such has no side effects. It is a great sugar replacement ideal for both diabetic as well as health conscious people. Its raw leaves are about thirty five to forty times sweeter than regular sugar, while its extract is almost three hundred times sweeter than sugar. It can be used to: Reduce blood sugar Tooth decay (it is therefore a safe alternative for sugar in tooth pastes) Reduce wrinkles if used like a face pack with rose water