Asparagus Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Asparagus is a spring vegetable that has green, purple, or white spears and a tender, crisp texture. It can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or grilled.Asparagus is a good source of folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
It is also low in calories and sodium, but high in fiber and water.
It may help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 144mg | 143mg | 1.01 |
Asparagus contains 144mg of Lysine and 143mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Asparagus has a neutral Lysine-Arginine ratio of 1.01.
Because Asparagus has a neutral ratio of lysine and arginine, it does not have a significant impact on people who suffer from herpes, as it does not affect the viral activity.
Lysine Considerations
Asparagus is a moderate source of lysine, as it has a fair amount of protein for a vegetable.
Lysine is essential for the body to produce antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
It also helps maintain the balance of nitrogen in the body.
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 milk and cheese, fish, eggs, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Asparagus is also a moderate source of arginine, as it has a similar protein content as lysine.
Arginine is important for the synthesis of creatine, urea, and nitric oxide.
It also helps regulate blood flow, blood clotting, and immune function.
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 a great source of arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Asparagus has a balanced lysine-arginine ratio, which means it does not alter the availability of either amino acid in the body.
This may be helpful for people who have kidney or liver problems, as a high intake of either amino acid may worsen their condition.
Both lysine and arginine are essential for protein synthesis and various other bodily functions.
They, however, have opposing effects on the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.
Lysine can slow down the replication of the virus, whereas arginine can stimulate it.
Thus, a diet rich in foods with a high lysine to arginine ratio may help reduce the occurrence and severity of herpes symptoms.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can provide the body with enough lysine to compete with arginine and inhibit the virus from replicating and causing flare-ups.
Dietary Considerations
Most vegetables are low in in calories and a decent source of 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:
A diverse and nutritious diet that supports your immune system and fights inflammation is essential.
This means you should eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and steer clear of processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine, which can harm your health.
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.
You may want to take l-lysine supplements.
L-lysine is known to prevent herpes outbreaks and it can help stop a cold sore in its initial stages by "starving" the virus of arginine before it has a chance to cause a cold sore.
Other food supplements, such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants, can help you boost your immunity and protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Your immune system can be weakened and inflammation can be increased by foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish.
Avoid these foods to avoid outbreaks.
Pain, swelling, and itching can be reduced by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, such as honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
These foods can also help you heal faster by promoting tissue repair.
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