|
Grandma's Methionine an
|
 |  |  |
Methionine is an essential amino acid that assists in the breakdown of fats, thus helping to prevent a buildup of fat in the liver and arteries that might obstruct blood flow to the brain, heart, and kidneys. The synthesis of the amino acids cysteine and taurine may depend on the availability of methionine. This amino acid helps the digestive system, helps to detoxify harmful agents such as lead and other heavy metals, helps diminish muscle weakness, prevent brittle hair, and protect against radiation, and is beneficial for people with osteoporosis or chemical allergies. It is useful also in the treatment of rheumatic fever and toxemia of pregnancy.
Methionine is a powerful antioxidant. It is a good source of sulfur, which inactivates free radicals. It is also good for people with Gilbert's syndrome, and anomaly of liver function, and is required for the synthesis of nucleic acids, collagen, and proteins found in every cell of the body.
It is beneficial for women who take contraceptives because it promotes excretion of estrogen. It reduces the level of histidine in the body, which can be useful for people with schizophrenia, whose histadine levels are typically higher than normal. As levels of toxic substances in the body increase, the need for this essential amino acid increases. The body can convert methionine into the amino acid cysteine, a precursor of glutahione. This amino acid thus protects glutahione, it helps to prevent glutathione depletion if the body is overloaded with toxins. Since glutathione is a key neutralizer of toxins in the liver, this protects the liver from the damaging effects of toxic compounds
An essential amino acid, methionine is not synthesized in the body, and so must be obtained from food sources or from dietary supplements.
Good food sources of methionine include beans, eggs, fish, garlic, lentils, meat, onions, soybeans, seeds, and yogurt.
Because the body uses methionine to derive a brain food called choline, it was to supplement the diet with choline or lecithin (which is high in choline) to ensure that the supply of methionine is not depleted.
DISCLAIMER:
The statement's made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Return from Methionine to Amino Acids
Return to Grandma's Herbal Remedies Home
