Amino Acids: Can’t Live Without Them                              
What are they and exactly what do they do for us?

You can't live without them. You’re unhealthy with too few of them. But in the right amounts they keep your body systems strong. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.   Just as different letters of the alphabet are used to form different words, so are different amino acids used to build different proteins. 

The human body is capable of manufacturing only 12 of the 20 different amino acids needed to build proteins used to grow, repair, and maintain cells.  The other eight are known as essential amino acids because since the body cannot manufacture them, they must come from a person’s diet, usually red meat or dairy products.

This is not as simple as it sounds since frequently the full range of amino acids a body needs to be healthy are lacking in our food.  As one pharmacist noted, “I see a lot of overweight people, but they’re all malnourished.” 

Wellness exists
and disease begins in the individual cell 
Cells go through regeneration as often as every couple of days. Our skin is totally replaced every 27 days and our skeleton is renewed every two years.  Every day billions of cells replace the ones that came before.  Every regeneration must be a perfect copy.  This process of regeneration is threatened by many things: pollution in the air, water, and soil, radiation from the sun, stress, lifestyle choices, and even the ingredients in our over processed foods.  One thing is certain; to be healthy a body needs the tiny biomolecules called amino acids.  As small as they are, amino acids play a big role in a body’s healthy nutrition.   In the right bio-available amounts, they fortify the body against the most common health concerns, and have been shown in studies to combat the aging process.

Because of Moringa, Zija is naturally packed with 18 of the 20 amino acids which are highly absorbable and absolutely crucial to good health.  According to clinical pharmacologist, Dr. Monica G. Marcu, “Amino acids are best absorbed from a complex, naturally occurring food or plant source.”   Ann Hirsch, PhD, Professor of Botany at University of California, Los Angeles, concurs saying, "One of the things that impresses me most about Moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids that humans beings need; there are eight of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to get them from our food.”  Moringa is one of very few plants that contain all eight essential amino acids; and Zija is the only food product in the U.S. today containing Moringa.

All Eight Essential Amino Acids
Here is a list of the complete range of naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa and a brief explanation of why our bodies require them:

• ISOLEUCINE builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical components in your body, some of which promote energy and stimulate the brain to keep you alert.

• LEUCINE works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance your body’s energy and alertness.

• LYSINE insures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium.  It also helps form collagen used in your bone cartilage and connective tissues.  And lysine aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.   Recent studies have shown lysine improves the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.

• METHIONINE primarily supplies sulfur to your body.  It is known to prevent hair, skin, and nail problems while lowering cholesterol levels as it increases your liver's production of lecithin.  Methionine reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.

• PHENYLALAINE produces the chemical needed to transmit signals between your nerve cells and your brain.  It can help keep you alert, reduce your hunger pains, plus improve your memory and your mood.

• THREONINE is an important part of collagen, elastin, and enamel proteins.   Not only does it assist metabolism, threonine helps prevent fat build-up in the liver while boosting your body’s digestive and intestinal tracts.

• TRYPTOHYAN supports your immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches.  It also is beneficial in decreasing the risk of artery and heart spasms as it works with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.

• VALINE is important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood.
  
  

Ten Non-Essential Amino Acids  
These non-essential amino acids, which can be manufactured by your body with the help of proper nutrition, are also found abundantly in Moringa:

• ALANINE is important when it comes to building energy in your muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system.  It strengthens your immune system by producing antibodies.  Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in your body.

• ARGININE has been shown in studies to cause the release of the growth hormones considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. It also improves immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells while promoting the healing of your body’s wounds.  

• ASPARTIC ACID helps rid your body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When the ammonia enters your circulatory system it can act as a highly toxic substance which can damage your central nervous system.   Recent studies have also shown that aspartic acid may decrease fatigue and increase endurance.

• CYSTINE functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution.  It can help slow the aging process, deactivate free radicals, and neutralize toxins.  It also aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change.  It is necessary for the formation of new skin cells, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations.

• GLUTAMIC ACID is food for the brain.  It improves mental capacities, helps speed the healing of ulcers, reduces fatigue, and curbs your sugar cravings.

• GLYCINE promotes the release of oxygen required in the cell-making process.  It is also important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.

• HISTIDINE is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers, and anemia.  A lack of histidine may lead to poor hearing.

• SERINE is important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles.  Its antibodies help strengthen your body’s immune system.  Plus, it synthesizes fatty acid sheaths around nerve fibers.

• PROLINE is extremely important for the proper function of your joints and tendons.  It also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
  
  
• TRYROSINE transmits nerve impulses to your brain.  It helps overcome depression; improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.