Essential amino acids – what and why
You might have seen us claim that mycoprotein contains all 9 essential amino acids. But do you know what amino acids are and why they are important for you? Continue reading to find out!
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for our bodies' growth, repair, and proper functioning. They are organic compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms, and they play a crucial role in a wide range of biological processes. Among these amino acids, there is a special category known as "essential amino acids" that our bodies cannot produce on their own. These must be obtained through our diet, making them a vital component of a healthy nutrition plan.
Essential amino acids are so named because they are essential for our well-being. Our bodies require nine of them:
histidine,
isoleucine,
leucine,
lysine,
methionine,
phenylalanine,
threonine,
tryptophan,
and valine.
Each of these amino acids serves specific functions, such as supporting protein synthesis, maintaining muscle tissue, and aiding in the production of hormones and enzymes.
But why are essential amino acids so crucial?
The answer lies in their role as the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for nearly every biological process, from forming the structure of cells and tissues to regulating chemical reactions in the body. Without a sufficient intake of essential amino acids, our bodies can't create the proteins they need, potentially leading to health issues and compromised growth and development.
Where do we obtain these essential amino acids?
A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources is key. Some excellent sources of essential amino acids include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and legumes. However, there's a less widely known but increasingly popular source of essential amino acids – mycoprotein.
Mycoprotein is a high-quality protein source made from filamentous fungi. In Mati’s products, the fungus is Fusarium venenatum. It's an excellent option for those seeking plant-based or alternative protein sources. Mycoprotein provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, similar to animal-based proteins. An easy way to add mycoprotein into your diet is by eating Mati’s mycoprotein-based tender fillets without chicken. They are launching very soon! 🥳
Yet again, we can make the conclusion that mycoprotein is freaking amazing! If you want to read more about mycoprotein then we have 2 other blogposts for you: Mycoprotein 101 and Meat vs. Mycoprotein. And make sure to follow us on Instagram where we share facts about mycoprotein and news about the launch of Mati’s tender fillets without chicken. 😉
