Alfalfa Sprouts Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Alfalfa sprouts are the young shoots of the alfalfa plant, which are harvested before they develop leaves.They have a mild, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
Alfalfa sprouts are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin K, and phytoestrogens.
They may help lower cholesterol, balance hormones, and prevent osteoporosis.
However, they may also carry harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, if not washed properly.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa Sprouts | 690mg | 1130mg | 0.612 |
Alfalfa Sprouts contains 690mg of Lysine and 1130mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Alfalfa Sprouts has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.612.
Because Alfalfa Sprouts contains slightly more arginine than lysine, reducing its consumption may help people who suffer from herpes, as it may lower the viral activity.
Lysine Considerations
Alfalfa sprouts have a moderate amount of lysine, which may help prevent or treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Lysine may also support immune function and collagen synthesis.
Lysine can help prevent or treat cold sores, which are blisters caused by the virus HSV-1, also known as herpes.
Lysine works by blocking the growth of HSV-1, which needs another amino acid called arginine to multiply and infect cells.
Lysine can only be obtained through diet, and can be found in multiple high-protein foods like dairy products, fish, eggs, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Alfalfa sprouts have a high amount of arginine, which may lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and support wound healing.
However, too much arginine can trigger or worsen herpes outbreaks, as the virus needs arginine to multiply.
Arginine can contribute to cold sore outbreaks, which are blisters caused by the HSV-1 virus, also known as herpes.
Arginine aids in the growth of HSV-1, which needs this particular amino acid to multiply and infect cells.
Arginine can be obtained through our diet, and is found in a variety of high-protein foods such as nuts, seeds, and chocolate.
Regrettably, the herpes virus is known to "feed" on arginine, and a diet rich in arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Alfalfa sprouts have a low lysine-arginine ratio, which means they have more arginine than lysine.
This may be detrimental for people with herpes infections, as arginine can promote viral replication and worsen symptoms.
Both lysine and arginine play crucial roles in protein synthesis and other metabolic activities.
Interestingly, they have contrasting effects on the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes.
Lysine can slow down the virus's ability to replicate, while arginine can promote it.
Consequently, consuming foods with a high lysine to arginine ratio may help decrease the frequency and severity of herpes flare-ups.
Foods with a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can supply the body with sufficient lysine to block the virus's uptake of arginine, thereby preventing its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
Most vegetables are scarce in in calories and high in in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Many vegetables have more lysine than arginine, such as beets, turnips, tomatoes, soybean sprouts, potatoes, celery, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.
These vegetables can help prevent or treat herpes outbreaks, as lysine can suppress the herpes virus.
Other vegetables have more arginine than lysine, such as peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
These vegetables can still be consumed in moderation, as they have other health benefits.
For instance:
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that supports your immune system and reduces inflammation.
This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and eliminate toxins from your body.
Water can also help you avoid dryness and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, which can lead to outbreaks.
L-lysine supplementscan help you prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it develops by depriving the virus of arginine, which it needs to form a cold sore.
Taking other food supplements that can improve your immunity and protect your cells from oxidative stress, such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants.
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