Chicken, Dark Meat Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Chicken, dark meat is the meat from the leg and thigh of the chicken.It is more moist and flavorful than light meat, but also higher in calories and fat.
Chicken, dark meat is a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and selenium. It also contains some cholesterol and sodium. It can be roasted, grilled, or fried, and eaten as a main dish or a sandwich ingredient.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken, Dark Meat | 1343.75mg | 1050mg | 1.28 |
Chicken, Dark Meat contains 1343.75mg of Lysine and 1050mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Chicken, Dark Meat has a high Lysine-Arginine ratio of 1.28.
Because Chicken, Dark Meat contains slightly more lysine than arginine, increasing its consumption may benefit people who suffer from herpes, as it may boost the immune system.
Lysine Considerations
Chicken, dark meat is a high source of lysine, an essential amino acid that is important for protein synthesis, collagen formation, and calcium absorption.
It's one of the nine amino acids that the body can't produce, so it must be included in our diet.
Lysine has many roles in the body, such as aiding in growth, healing, energy production, immune function, and the production of collagen.
Research indicates that lysine may have an impact on the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital sores.
Taking lysine supplements or using lysine cream could potentially prevent or treat these infections by inhibitnig the amino acid arginine, which the virus requires for growth.
Arginine Considerations
Chicken, dark meat is a high source of arginine, a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in nitric oxide production, wound healing, 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 multiple high-protein foods such as nuts, seeds, and chocolate.
Regrettably, the herpes virus is known to "feed" on arginine, and a diet a decent source of arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Chicken, dark meat has a balanced lysine-arginine ratio, which means it can provide both amino acids in adequate amounts for various physiological processes.
The herpes simplex virus, which causes oral and genital herpes, needs arginine to multiply and infect cells.
Lysine, on the other hand, can interfere with the absorption of arginine in the intestine, and thus limit the availability of arginine for the virus.
By eating a diet higher in lysine than arginine, one may be able to prevent or treat herpes symptoms.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can supply the body with sufficient lysine to compete with arginine and inhibit the virus from replicating and causing flare ups.
Dietary Considerations
Poultry is a lean meat that is high in protein and lysine.
Poultry can help inhibit or lessen the severity of herpes outbreaks, as lysine can prevent the replication of the herpes virus.
Poultry also contains iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production and red blood cell formation.
Chicken and turkey are some of the poultry that have more lysine than arginine, with usually around 30% to 40% more.
Interestingly, chickens can contract a form of herpes known as Marek's disease.
Fortunately, this virus is exclusive to chickens and does not cross species to humans.
This means that you can eat chicken and poultry without any concerns about herpes transmission.
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.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine which can overstimulate your body, leave you dehydrated, and compromise your immune system.Consider taking l-lysine supplements, which can help prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it emerges by limiting the availability of arginine for the virus, which it requires to produce a cold sore.
Foods that can boost your immunity and fight inflammation are essential to prevent outbreaks.
Honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile are some examples of these foods.
They can also soothe your symptoms and help you recover quicker by reducing pain, swelling, and itching.
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