GLUTAMIC ACID IN SHILAJIT

Dear readers welcome to another blog about Shilajit. We realize that we explored its beneficial ingredients A LOT over the past few weeks, but the fact remains that there is much more that we can learn about Shilajit. As we look over our most recent laboratory tests, we notice that there are still several important things that we missed. After all, if we want to understand Shilajit, we have to use a more scientific approach. That is why glutamic acid coughs our attention this time. It is quite abundant in Shilajit and possesses a vast array of interesting effects on our health. So, want to learn something new? Let’s get to it.

WHAT IS GLUTAMIC ACID?

Simply put, it is an amino acid. In essence, they’re building blocks of proteins and play many critical roles in your body.

When we eat proteins, they are broken down into smaller parts in the stomach with the help of stomach acid. These smaller parts are called amino acids. The body then incorporates them into its cells and we could say that amino acids are an integral part of every cell. How important amino acids are is told by the fact that the cell membrane is made up of 75% fat and 25% protein and if we lack protein, the body cannot form new cells, it cannot regenerate, and as a result, our immune system drops. Amino acids make up nails, hair, skin, as well as hormones. In addition, amino acids are involved in the transport of nutrients throughout the body and are an integral part of hemoglobin. They affect the acid-base balance in the blood and represent a source of energy.

So…what role does glutamic acid play in our system?

In addition to being one of the building blocks in protein synthesis, it is the most widespread neurotransmitter in brain function, as an excitatory neurotransmitter and as a precursor for the synthesis of GABA in GABAergic neurons. Glutamate activates both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. The ionotropic ones being non-NMDA (AMPA and kainate) and NMDA receptors. Free glutamic acid cannot cross the blood-brain barrier in appreciable quantities; instead, it is converted into L-glutamine, which the brain uses for fuel and protein synthesis. It is conjectured that glutamate is involved in cognitive functions like learning and memory in the brain. In addition, glutamate plays important role in the regulation of growth cones and synaptogenesis during brain development. it also participates in the treatment of ulcers, eliminates general fatigue, controls alcoholism, schizophrenia, and sugar cravings.

WHERE DO WE NORMALLY FIND GLUTAMIC ACID?
Glutamic acid, being a constituent of protein, is present in foods that contain protein, but it can only be tasted when it is present in an unbound form. Significant amounts of free glutamic acid are present in a wide variety of foods, including cheeses and soy sauce, and glutamic acid is responsible for umami, one of the five basic tastes of the human sense of taste. Glutamic acid often is used as a food additive and flavor enhancer in the form of its sodium salt. All meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and kombu are excellent sources of glutamic acid. Some protein-rich plant foods also serve as sources. 30% to 35% of gluten (much of the protein in wheat) is glutamic acid. Ninety-five percent of the dietary glutamate is metabolized by intestinal cells in a first pass. And last but not least, Shilajit. When talking about amino acids in Shilajit, the percentage of glutamic acid is quite high. Is it a coincidence that such a wonderful substance has everything we need? We think not. Just goes to show what an amazing substance Shilajit is while simultaneously helping us understand what’s behind its beneficial effect. A gift of nature backed by scientific research, what more would you want.

Sources and more info:

GLUTAMIC ACID IN SHILAJIT

WHAT IS GLUTAMIC ACID?

WHERE DO WE NORMALLY FIND GLUTAMIC ACID?

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