Welcome to L-Lysine.net

Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that the body does not manufacture it naturally. The body needs lysine as well as other amino acids to build proteins. Because the body cannot synthesize it on its own, it must be obtained in foods with lysine as well as supplements.

If you desire a healthy body, then a nutritious balanced diet is important. If you eat the right foods, they will provide you with the required essential amino acids you need.

So how does lysine benefit the body?

* It helps with the formation of collagen, which is a protein in our bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
* It helps the body absorb calcium
* Aids the immune system by helping in the production of antibodies
* Lysine helps in the production of enzymes and hormones

Lysine Sources - Foods and Supplements

As it generally is with anything regarding health, natural is most always best. Lysine is available in capsules, tablets, liquids, and creams. The best source for Lysine is, however, naturally in the foods we eat. This isn't to say lysine supplements aren't helpful; but they should be used in conjunction with lysine rich foods.

What foods contain lysine?

* Protein rich foods
* Pork, poultry, and red meat
* Parmesan and other cheeses
* Fish
* Nuts and legumes
* Eggs
* Soybeans and soybean products such as tofu and soy flour
* Dairy products

Disease Fighting Diet

Lysine has long been associated with fighting disease, such as for those suffering from herpes simplex. Many sufferers of this condition benefit from a diet high in lysine and low in arginine (also an amino acid). Arginine helps the body release insulin and rid the body of the waste product ammonia.

The concept to help fight the virus is to choose foods with a high lysine to arginine ratio. Some foods that fall into this category include:

* margarine
* plain yogurt (skim or low fat)
* low fat fruit yogurt
* Swiss, Gouda, or Parmesan cheese
* American cheese spread
* papayas, mangoes, apples, apricots, and dried pears
* goat's milk
* beets
* cream cheese
* sherbet
* skim milk and buttermilk

On the flip side, here are a few foods that have a higher arginine to lysine ratio:

* green peas
* eggplant
* tangerines and oranges
* mushrooms and cucumbers
* corn grits, shredded wheat, puffed wheat, and bran flakes
* cashews, Macadamia nuts, and chestnuts
* peanut butter
* orange and grape juices

Lysine, Vitamin C, and Heart Disease

Two time Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling devoted his last years to the study of the use of lysine and vitamin C to prevent ASVD (thickening of the artery walls) and angina. More current evaluations of Pauling's work support his theory that supplementing the diet with vitamin C and lysine does provide health benefits.

Some researchers also support the theory that a regimen of lysine and vitamin C can also help prevent or fight cancer, although there is not sufficient documentation to support this claim.

Linus Pauling lived to be the ripe old age of 94, so his book on "How to Live Longer and Feel Better" might be worth checking out.