Coconut Cream Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Coconut cream is a creamy, thick liquid made from puréed coconut flesh.Coconut cream is high in calories and saturated fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Cream | 133.33mg | 600mg | 0.22 |
Coconut Cream contains 133.33mg of Lysine and 600mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Coconut Cream has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.22.
Because Coconut Cream contains much higher levels of arginine than lysine, limiting its consumption is recommended by people who suffer from herpes, as it may trigger outbreaks.
Lysine Considerations
Coconut cream contains a moderate amount of lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function.
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 many high-protein foods like dairy products, fish, eggs, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Coconut cream is a rich source of arginine. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in several bodily functions, including 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 good source of arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Coconut cream has a low lysine-arginine ratio, which means it has more arginine relative to lysine.
This may be beneficial for people with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, as lysine may inhibit the replication of HSV.
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 stunt 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 flare ups.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include milk and cheese 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 outbreaks.
Dietary Considerations
Fruits are generally high in natural sugars, water, and vitamin C.
Some fruits have more lysine than arginine, such as papaya, mango, apricot, apple, pear, fig, and avocado.
These fruits can help prevent or lessen herpes outbreaks, as lysine can counteract the effects of arginine.
Other fruits have more arginine than lysine, such as oranges, tangerines, grapes, bananas, strawberries, and kiwis.
These fruits can still be consumed in moderation, as they have other health benefits.
For example:
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.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine which can overstimulate your body, leave you dehydrated, and compromise your immune system.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.
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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