Lentils: Complete Amino Acid Profile

Lentils ‐ Amino Acids List

Introduction

Lentils, scientifically known as Lens culinaris Medik., are widely used around the world and regarded as one of the globe’s most important legumes. Red, green/brown and black lentils are among the most popular varieties cultivated for their protein-rich grains. Structurally, these grains contain a variety of macronutrients that are vital for sustaining human health, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals. Proteins found in lentils account for roughly 26% of its total makeup, with amino acids acting as the building blocks of the predominate proteins. This paper will explore the different kinds of amino acids present inside of lentil seeds, along with a brief synopsis of how they all contribute to overall nutritional value.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms joined in a particular way to form a basic unit side chain. They essentially constitute any peptide or protein molecule. Inside of lentil seeds there are more than 20 core amino acids that can be categorized into two distinct classes: essential and nonessential. Essential means that our bodies cannot generate them on their own, therefore we must obtain them from dietary sources. Non-essential implies that our body can produce them through metabolism. The following section will outline each class of amino acid based off the structure of individual molecules.

Essential Amino Acids

The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Histidine is primarily identified by its positively charged nitrogens due to the presence of an imidazole ring. It plays chief roles in maintaining proper pH balance within cells. Isoleucine features molecular structures similar to leucine given its branch-chain layout, but it often slightly differs depending on the relative location of the benzene ring. Leucine, featuring aromatic hydrocarbons, acts to synthesize various proteins like hormone-releasing hormones. Lysine has a prized guanidino nitrogen substituted amide compound, which enables quick endergonic energy transfers necessary for muscle growth. Methionine works to promote high levels of selenium and sulfur in tissues, while playing excellent roles in gastric digestion coordination. Phenylalanine exhibits three hydrocarbon isoalloxazines involved in neuropsychological performance. Threonine provides optimum usage rates for calcium absorption, with supplemental antibodies countering bone degeneration related diseases. Tryptophan operates as both a proteinogenic and metabolic generator of physiological processes, mainly those related to enzymatic reactions. Finally, Valine serves as an integral branched aliphatic alcohol throughout bodily functions.

Nonessential Amino Acids

The eleven nonessential amino acids are alanine, arginne, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine and cysteine. Alanine is closely linked to glucose respiration processes stimulated by human muscles during exercise bouts. Arginine creates ammonia and regulates endocrine systems associated with increased sex drive in males and females alike. Asparagine forms alkaline ammonia sets ensuring healthy HCL concentrations. For example, it prevents potential stomach ulcers arising from acidic burns. Aspartic acid maintains elevated levels of ammonium salts beneficial for nerve functioning. Glutamine preserves smooth connective tissues delineating organs, helping to counter toxic invaders from entering the bloodstream. Glutamate showcases comparative traits to aspartic acid but with higher affinity towards intakes of sodium cations. Glycine then offers duality traits being reported as an inhibitory motor neuron molecule coupled with anti-inflammatory configurations. Proline combines mass amounts of hydroxyproline & hydroxylysine exclusive to maintaining densely knit collagen fibers. Serine utilizes multiple hydroxyethylbenzene rings accepted after breaking down fats in vigor depravation regimes. Tyrosine ties a host of catalytic groups and epinic hydroxides aiding nail & hair growth. Lastly, Cysteine displays thio-ester couplings that expunge innumerable oxidative radicals.

Conclusion

In summation, lentils provide an impressive array of amino acids ranging in types and contributions. While unique nutritive benefits attach to each, it would be inaccurate to assume singular dominance or generalizations when discussing such complexity. Weighing 8g of pre-cooked lentils results in 1.8g per 100g worth of protein, ultimately produced from carefully distributed amino acids working together in tandem. Additionally, coupled with superior flavonoid phytochemical powerhouse biosynthetic products, enhanced biochemical boosts accompany longterm consumes involving lentils. In summary, maximum nourishment stemming from this always reliable source delivers all round improvements on human wellbeing.