Coconut Water Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Coconut water is a refreshing beverage that comes from the center of young, green coconuts.Coconut water is low in calories, rich in potassium, and free of fat and cholesterol.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Water | 32mg | 118mg | 0.27 |
Coconut Water contains 32mg of Lysine and 118mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Coconut Water has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.27.
Because Coconut Water 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 water contains 32mg of lysine per 100g. 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 a variety of high-protein foods like dairy, fish, eggs, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Coconut water contains more arginine than lysine, with 118mg of arginine per 100g.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in several bodily functions, including wound healing and immune function.
Arginine has multiple functions in the body, including wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body, and maintaining immune and hormone function.
Arginine also plays a role in the replication of the herpes virus, making it a key factor in cold sore outbreaks.
The herpes virus requires arginine to grow, replicate, and create new herpes viruses.
Foods abundant in arginine, such as nuts and chocolate, may increase the frequency and severity of these outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Coconut water contains nearly four times the amount of arginine than lysine.
This can be undesirable by those who are prone to cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
That said, the amino-acid content is quite low so drinking coconut water is unlikely to have a major effect on the overall lysine-arginine balance in one's diet.
Lysine and arginine are both amino acids that are involved in protein synthesis and other metabolic processes.
That said, they have opposite effects on the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.
Lysine can inhibit the replication of the virus, while arginine can stimulate it.
Because of this, eating foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio may help reduce the frequency and severity of herpes flare-ups.
Some examples of foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio are dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can provide the body with enough lysine to block the uptake of arginine by the virus, and thus prevent its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
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.
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.
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.
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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