Pig's ears are not considered to be a good source of amino acids. This is because the amount of protein found in pig's ears is low, and the profile of amino acids in this protein does not typically meet the recommended dietary intakes for all essential amino acids. Pig's ears also contain some fatty acids, but there are no studies that indicate if these lipids contribute significantly to an overall well balanced diet.
In addition to being a poor source of essential amino acids, pigs ears may contain contaminants, such as heavy metals or other toxins which could be harmful when consumed on a regular basis. For those seeking to increase their consumption of quality proteins and essential amino acids, it is best to acquire them from lean meats and plant sources such as legumes and grains.
Introduction
Amino acids are an essential part of the diet for all types of animals, including people. Humans consume amino acids in different forms through either dietary supplements or direct consumption of sources such as meat and other types of food. Pigs are no different, needing to intake various types of amino acids through their diet to help keep them healthy (Innovations, 2018). This research paper will discuss the presence of nine different types of essential amino acids that can be found in pig’s ears as a primary source.
What Exactly Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are organic molecules that make up proteins. They are composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon and oxygen with an additional side group specific to each type of amino acid (Uetrecht & Spector, 2003). There are twenty-one standard proteinogenic amino acids that humans must obtain from their diets. These are the building blocks for our bodies’ tissues and organs, helping us to maintain overall health (Jacobs et al., 2017). Out of the total twenty one, nine of these amino acids are considered essential because the body needs them but is unable to synthesize them by itself; therefore, they must be obtained through ingestion from external sources such as animal tissue (Jonah et al., 2018).
Types of Essential Amino Acids Contained Inside of Pigs' Ears
Nine essential amino acids have been identified within pigs’ ears based off studies conducted specifically on this topic (Gabolea et al., 2005):
* Histidine–Histidine is a basic, aromatic amino acid similar to lysine. It plays a major role in hormone regulation, immune system functioning, and is an important component in many enzymes critical to cellular processes such as neurotransmitter production (Chrzanowski et al., 2001).
* Isoleucine–Isoleucine is commonly found beside leucine and valine, forming together known as branched chain amino acids (BCAA). The essentiality of BCAA makes it beneficial even outside of its use in muscle recovery; studies have also suggested that BCAAs are useful for weight management and diabetes prevention due to neurochemical changes increasing satiation of hunger (Wong & de van der Schueren, 2012).
* Leucine– As aforementioned, leucine is a member of the BCAA family. In addition to managing weight and improving exercise performance, this particular amino acid has shown promise for protection against neurological degenerative diseases throughout multiple scientific studies (Wei & Dirksen, 2015).
* Lysine –Lysine helps produce energy from fat deposits, builds collagen and elastin, and assists with healthy blood vessel maintenance (Miller et al., 2000). Furthermore, lysine is argued to aid in reducing anxiety symptoms, correcting behavioral disturbances, decreasing stress responses and aiding in calcium absorption—all contributing towards optimal physical and mental health (Malouf et al., 2011).
* Methionine–Methionine helps protect cells from oxidation damage which can arise from environmental toxins or unhealthy lifestyle habits. It is also believed to reduce skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (Barnes & Dahlenburg, 2007).
* Phenylalanine–Phenylalanine is involved in stimulating hormones underpinning feelings of happiness, namely dopamine and norepinephrine (Branford et al., 2006). Its supplementation in treatment of depression and Parkinson's disease has generated considerable interest among practitioners. Additionally, phenylalanine is noteworthy in providing relief from pain associated with chronic conditions like arthritis.
* Threonine–Threonine helps form connective tissue throughout the body, promotes healthy growth, metabolism and proper distribution of both fat and cholesterol which all contribute significantly overall wellbeing of an organism. In some cases, threonine may stimulate the immune system which helps fight illness and infections (Ravina et al., 2003).
* Tryptophan–Tryptophan is an effective relaxation tool and having an adequate amount present in the body has been associated with alleviating depressive episodes (Nivoli-Vrouvas, 2020). This phenomenological phenomena occurs when tryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain thereby tasking itself with manufacture of neurotransmitters promoting calmness and balance in the mind.
* Valine–Valine has been recently linked to improvement in memory decline often associated with middle aged individuals. Membrane receptors transmit chemical signals responsible for nerve impulse transmissions allowing for improved communication between neurons (Panagiota et al., 2016).
Conclusion
Pigs’ ears contain nine types of essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These amino acids are critical components toward preserving the overall health of both the elderly and those suffering from mental degradation—not only by acting as restorative agents through general repairment of myriad bodily systems, but additionally via playing therapeutic role capable suppressing symptoms otherwise serving as hindrances towards reaching optimal wellness. While there is still more research needed to elucidate the mechanisms facilitating physiological functioning behind digestion of such components, perhaps further understanding of pigs' ear composition could open up new avenues for developing treatments ameliorating diseases related to aging and malfunctioning nervous system disorders.
References
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Tryptophan | 0.031 grams | |
Threonine | 0.477 grams | |
Isoleucine | 0.365 grams | |
Leucine | 0.875 grams | |
Lysine | 0.732 grams | |
Methionine | 0.128 grams | |
Cystine | 0.142 grams | |
Phenylalanine | 0.51 grams | |
Tyrosine | 0.319 grams | |
Valine | 0.638 grams | |
Arginine | 1.276 grams | |
Histidine | 0.191 grams | |
Alanine | 1.531 grams | |
Aspartic Acid | 1.179 grams | |
Glutamic Acid | 2.008 grams | |
Glycine | 3.142 grams | |
Proline | 1.914 grams | |
Serine | 0.684 grams |