What is Tyrosine?

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What is Tyrosine?
Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps the body in protein synthesis. It is said to be “non-essential” and is synthesized from phenylalanine which is an amino acid itself. Tyrosine may also be called as “L-Tyrosine” or with its complete description – 4-hydroxyphenylalanine.

Tyrosine plays an important role in the body’s metabolic activities. It also helps in the signal transduction process involving other proteins. This particular process is responsible for the initiation of a variety of cellular processes. This amino acid is also involved in the process called phosphorylation which aids in the regulation of enzyme production. Another important function for tyrosine is that it serves as precursor to other substances and hormones produced by the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands. This amino acid is also is precursor to some neurotransmitters and melanin.

Tyrosine is naturally produced by the body. Outside the body, this amino acid was first discovered from cheese back in the year 1846. Because of its help in a variety of bodily and cellular functions, tyrosine is considered a great supplement to take. Because of its “neurotransmitter” involvement, tyrosine is said to help relieve stress and improve mood. In fact high anxiety, low energy, irritability, sadness, and low libido are the main symptoms associated with very low levels of tyrosine in the body. So with tyrosine supplementation, mood disorders and even depression may be treated. But aside from its help in uplifting people’s mood, tyrosine is also credited as a big help for weight-watchers. With this amino acid’s effect to speed up metabolism, tyrosine is said to help people lose weight.

Food sources of tyrosine are typically high in protein and these include chicken, turkey, fish, soy, peanuts, milk products, avocados, almond nuts, lima beans, and pumpkin seeds among others. Various supplements are also available in the market today for people to take advantage of the many benefits of this amino acid.

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