So, you already know what protein-rich foods are. But, did you know that protein rich foods are also crammed with essential amino acids? Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it! Amino acids bond together and in turn form most proteins. One of these essential amino acids is one called threonine. What is threonine, what are its uses and what foods contain threonine? Read on and find out.
? What Is Threonine
Threonine is an essential amino acid, which helps the body maintain protein balance, creates collagen in the body and promotes muscle tissue production in the heart as well. Threonine also helps stimulate digestive enzyme production. (1)
: Uses
Threonine has other uses, apart from promoting collagen. You can use threonine to cure and treat:
: Spinal Spasticity
Threonine has been found effective in dealing with conditions like spinal spasticity. (2)
: Cures ALS Symptoms
Threonine can help cure amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Studies conclude that consuming 2-4 Gms of threonine for 12 months daily can inhibit ALS progression or even reduce its symptoms. (3)
: Warnings
Threonine is an essential amino acid and many bodily functions depend on threonine. However, as with most proteins, there are some cautions you should exercise when you consume threonine. (4)
: Side Effects
Although threonine is safe in dosages of 2-4 Gms daily, some of you may experience discomfort and minor side effects like headache, nausea, stomach upset and skin rashes. (5)
: Pregnant/Nursing Women
There is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of consuming threonine while you are nursing or pregnant. The best thing to do is avoid threonine and stay safe. (6)
:ALS
Although, threonine has been known to treat symptoms of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, threonine may interfere with lung function and even reduce it. Patients who consumed 1 gram of threonine four times daily for 6 months experienced reduced lung function and in turn reduced stamina levels. The study concludes that threonine could be the major reason for the reduced lung function, or it could be one of the factors that led to the condition.
So, you know by now what threonine is, what its function is and how it can affect your body, let’s move on and learn about threonine rich foods:
1. Roasted Soybeans :
Perhaps the richest source of vegetable protein, soy beans are a popular vegetable used in most parts of the world. It contains almost the same amount of threonine as roasted beef, with 164% of the threonine RDI.
2. Pork (Cooked) :
As with most protein sources, it follows that they must contain many essential amino acids. Among these acids is one called threonine; pork contains around 132% of threonine RDI.
3. Roasted Beef :
One of the best protein sources out there. Roasted beef is crammed with most kinds of amino acids and contains around 165% of the threonine RDI.
4. Parmesan Cheese :
Parmesan cheese is among the most popular foods in the world and people seem to adore it. It is also incredibly rich in amino acids, with 125% of the threonine RDI
5. Cooked Chicken Breast :
Cooked chicken breast is not only tasty and incredibly protein rich, it also boasts of many essential amino acids, including 137% of the threonine RDI.
6. Lamb Liver :
This is a delicacy in many parts of the world. Although, many people don’t usually prefer organ meat, liver is a great source of protein and boasts of 126% of the threonine RDI.
7. Shellfish :
This is another type of seafood that is rich in threonine. Shellfish boasts of 105% of the threonine RDI.
8. Cooked Salmon :
Mostly, any salt water oily fish (high on omega-3s) is rich in threonine and protein sources. Salmon is no exception and it contains many essential amino acids, including 122% of the threonine RDI.
9. Pumpkin Seeds :
With so many medicinal benefits, pumpkin seeds are also rich protein sources. They boast of around 95% of the threonine RDI.
10. White Beans :
White beans are probably one of the lesser known protein rich foods and they contain around 39% of the threonine RDI.
Consider including these foods in your diet and balancing your threonine levels. Tell us about any healthy recipes you plan to try using these threonine-rich foods.
