Protein is also necessary for immunity

The amino acids that make up proteins are not only used for tissue regeneration, they also participate in your defenses.

The immune system needs amino acids to continually defend against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. They are necessary, for example, for the immune B cells to produce the antibodies that will allow the discovery and elimination of pathogens.

5 AMINO ACIDS NECESSARY FOR IMMUNITY

Together, amino acids, both the essential ones that must be obtained from food, and the non-essential ones that the body is capable of synthesizing, provide structure and energy to immune cells. In relation to immunity, the following 5 stand out:

1. The glutamine is crucial in case of suffering an infection, for the good condition of the intestinal mucosa and after suffering trauma.
   Glutamine plays an important role in the immune system due to its participation in the formation of arginine and as an energy substrate for immune cells (lymphocytes and macrophages).
   Vegetable foods that provide glutamine are pineapple and dates.
2. The arginine is essential for the formation of white blood cells and for infection control. It improves cellular immune function and plays an important role in eliminating non-essential nitrogenous compounds from the body.
   It is found in abundance in peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds, among other foods.
3. The cysteine is essential for the synthesis of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione. It strengthens the protective layer of the stomach and intestines, which helps prevent damage caused by certain drugs, and is important in the functioning of the immune system and in the health of hair, nails and skin.
   It is found in broccoli, asparagus, and onions, for example.
4. The L-glutamine is involved in the production of lymphocytes. Its contribution is important during infectious processes.
   This amino acid is found, for example, in nuts and spinach.
5. The L-tryptophan is involved in the modulation of the inflammatory response against viruses and bacteria.
   Vegetable sources are legumes and nuts.

In addition to amino acids, other essential nutrients play equally important roles in the immune system. The antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and D stand out, as well as minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium.