The Benefits of Foods Rich in Lysine

There are many people who are looking for ways to improve their diets. One of the major topics of discussion recently has been focused on lysine. Lysine is one of the essential amino acids. This means that people need it to survive. The substance joins with other amino acids in the body to form building blocks known as peptides. Then, these peptides come together to form proteins. These proteins in turn make up the building blocks of cells, tissues, and organs. There has been a lot of attention paid to foods that are high in lysine. This is because there are a number of health benefits that may come from eating foods with a high lysine content.

Lysine and Its Impact on Calcium

One of the reasons why people are focused on lysine rich foods is that this amino acid may help the body absorb a key element called calcium. Most people know about calcium due to its high content in dairy products such as milk. This mineral is important for the body for several reasons; however, its biggest function has to do with the bones. Calcium is the foundation upon which the body’s bones are built. As people age, their bones start to weaken. This can lead to a disease known as osteoporosis. Therefore, people need to do everything they can to maintain high levels of calcium to preserve the density of their bones.
In addition to the other benefits of taking health supplements, lysine may also help the body absorb and retain calcium. This is still an active area of research; however, lysine may help people avoid the consequences of osteoporosis.

Lysine To Treat Cold Sores

Another reason for people to look for foods that are high in lysine is that they might be able to help treat cold sores. Cold sores in and around the mouth are caused by reactivation of the herpes virus in the oral cavity. These are painful sores that tend to get worse when people touch them or drink acidic drinks. There is some research that shows that people who eat foods that are high in lysine might be able to avoid cold sores and speed up healing times.
Researchers believe this role has to do with the interaction between lysine and arginine. Arginine is known to play a major role in the formation of cold sores. Lysine might block the reabsorption of arginine. Therefore, some believe that lysine might be able to help reduce the frequency of cold sores, saving people a significant amount of oral discomfort.

The Benefits of Lysine in Food

These are only a few of the many benefits that lysine could provide. It is important for people to take a look at their diet carefully and make sure they are doing everything they can to stay healthy. Lysine can be found in a variety of foods, including eggs, steak, and salmon. Therefore, anyone who is looking to increase their intake of lysine can start with these foods first. There is something out there for everyone.

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