So Where Is Lysine?

There are multiple sources of lysine. I mentioned quinoa the other day, which can be eaten like oatmeal.

Other sources are lysine are proteins such as meats, (this includes red meat, pork and chicken), fish (especially cod and sardines), eggs, parmesan cheese, nuts, and soy (this includes tofu, and soy flour). Remember that lysine is an essential amino acid and is usually in proteins. Many of the grains do not contain lysine because the protein in grains is not complete.

Quinoa - Super Grain?

Actually quinoa is not a grain at all, although many believe it to be one. Quinoa is the the seed from a leafy plant that is distantly related to spinach. What quinoa contains that most grains do not is the amino acid lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid, however, we are dependent upon getting it from our food as the body is unable to produce it.

Lysine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy by helping to produce carnitine in the body. You can immediately get the point that if you have too little lysine, you don't produce enough carnitine and you can become fatigued. This is usually not a problem unless you are not eating any protein sources in your diet.

Back to quinoa, this seed contains lots of good nutrients like potassium, riboflavin, manganese, magnesium, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, folate, zinc and copper. This is an excellent protein source as well.