Amino acids are building blocks, from which proteins are built, which are the structure of tissues of the human body. Also, amino acids are used by the body for the development and functioning of organs. Speaking about the brain, some part of amino acids are a building component of the brain and central nervous system, the other acts as neurotransmitters and directly affects the brain functions – improves short-term and long-term memory, enhances intelligence and learning ability.
All amino acids are neededfor the functioning of the body, but for the brain and central nervous system the following amino acids are particularly important: tryptophan, glycine, glutamic acid and tyrosine. Most of them are neurotransmitters – active biological substances responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses, so these amino acids are responsible for memory, intelligence and excitability of the nervous system.
The second group of amino acids also actively participates in mental and intellectual processes. These amino acids are responsible for the stability of the psyche, mood, mental activity, attention. Many of these amino acids are used in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Third group: amino acids responsible for psychic energy. This group is responsible for endurance of the nervous system and helps the brain with prolonged exertion.
Let’s take a closer look at the most important amino acids for the brain and their effect:
1st group:
- Tryptophan (essential amino acid) – the neurotransmitter. Responsible for mental relaxation and emotional well-being. The most important element in the treatment of depression. Natural sleeping pills.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (nonessential amino acid) – the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Metabolism normalizer, energy source.
- Glycine (nonessential amino acid) – stabilizer of mental processes. Increasing of mental performance. It is used to treat depression.
- Glutamic acid (nonessential amino acid) – the neurotransmitter and nootropic.
- Proline (nonessential amino acid) – auxiliary functions of inhibition of the central nervous system.
- Tyrosine (nonessential amino acid) – the neurotransmitter. Improving memory, intelligence. Treatment of stress and depression.
2nd group:
- Isoleucine (essential amino acid) – increasing of mental endurance.
- Phenylalanine (essential amino acid) – improves memory and learning ability.
- Valine (essential amino acid) – stimulates mental activity.
- Arginine (nonessential amino acid) – mental energy. Positive psychotropic effect.
- Asparagine (nonessential amino acid) – stabilizer of nervous processes. Increasing stamina.
- Glutamine (nonessential amino acid) – the precursor of cerebral neurotransmitters.
3rd group:
- Leucine (essential amino acid) – source of psychic energy.
- Alanine (nonessential amino acid) – the source of energy for the central nervous system and brain.
- Taurine(nonessential amino acid) – antioxidant.
Others:
- Lysine (essential amino acid) – structural element. Its lack leads to irritability and fatigue.
- Methionine (essential amino acid) – An important component of metabolism. Its lack provokes anger and irritability.
- Threonine (essential amino acid) – structural element of the central nervous system.
- Cysteine (nonessential amino acid) – antioxidant.
- Histidine (nonessential amino acid) – building component for cells of the nervous system.
- Ornithine (nonessential amino acid) – the necessary component for the metabolic processes of the brain.
