Nov 09, 2021

Methionine Benefits - The Essential Amino Acids Guide

What is Methionine?

We all want to live longer and healthier. However, not everyone knows what that entails. Ensuring that you’re getting enough amino acids is a simple method to boost your health and support long-term well-being.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are needed to help rebuild and repair various bodily tissue. Methionine is one of the 9 essential amino acids, key in processing protein and other compounds in your body. It is required for normal metabolism and growth and helps the liver process fats.

It is crucial to note that your body cannot produce methionine; you must acquire it through your food.

Because methionine is an antioxidant, it can help protect your body from free radicals or oxidative stress. It can also identify and help detoxify compounds in your body, heavy metals, such as lead and mercury. The properties of methionine have been found to help prevent fat deposits and damages to the liver.

Methionine contains sulphur, which has a variety of health benefits, including nourishing your hair, skin, and nails, slowing the ageing process, aiding in the absorption of other nutrients, and decreasing cholesterol levels by increasing lecithin production in the liver.

The Top 3 Benefits of Methionine

Methionine has many benefits, the most prominent being building bone strength, aiding weight loss and supporting the liver.

Which we will discuss in more detail below. So if you want to learn more, keep reading!

1. Strengthens Bones

Methionine may aid athletic performance due to its effect on bones.

When compared to those fed diets without methionine supplementation, researchers at the Institute of Physical Education, Health and Leisure Studies at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan found an effect on bone volume, bone mineralization, and bone mineral content.

2. Supports Weight Loss

Methionine includes a substance called creatine, which improves athletic performance and the body’s muscle-to-fat ratio.

In a recent study, higher performance was connected with creatine effects during intervals due to weight loss, resulting in a better muscle to fat ratio.

The amino acid also encourages the production of somatotropin, a key fat-burning hormone. Methionine aids muscle recovery after a strenuous workout session due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities.

3. Aids and Helps the Liver

Methionine is a crucial amino acid for your liver’s repair and rebuilding processes. It is an antioxidant and may help facilitate detoxifying harmful compounds in your body and prevent liver damage from acetaminophen poisoning.

There is further evidence indicating that methionine metabolism may affect alcoholic liver disease. According to research, when taken with folate and vitamins B6 and B12, it may help alleviate the symptoms of liver disease.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Methionine?

A deficiency in methionine can lead to many things, such as anemia, greying hair and inflammation of the liver.

However, if you’re getting enough, it may extend your lifespan and reduce the risk of cancer.

What Foods Are High in Methionine?

Depending on your body weight, you likely need between 800-1,000 mg of methionine daily. While there are a few ways of achieving your daily intake of methionine, here is a list of foods that are high in methionine:

● Ground Turkey
● Beef
● Tuna
● Lean Pork Chops
● Milk
● Quinoa
● Shrimp
● Eggs
● Sweet Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Methionine is a unique amino acid. It has a role in the initiation of protein production in your cells and can also manufacture sulphur-containing compounds in your body.

Because it cannot be made by the body and can only be obtained through your diet, it is important to consume the appropriate foods or drinks to meet your daily intake.