Corn Grits Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Corn grits are coarse and yellow grains that are made from ground corn kernels.They are also known as polenta or cornmeal, and are a staple food in many regions.
They are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
Corn grits can be cooked, boiled, or baked. They are used in various dishes, such as porridge, bread, cakes, and pudding.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Grits | 68mg | 114mg | 0.596 |
Corn Grits contains 68mg of Lysine and 114mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Corn Grits has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.596.
Because Corn Grits 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
Corn grits are not a good source of lysine, as they contain only 68 mg of lysine per 100 grams of food.
Lysine is an essential amino acid that is important for protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function.
Lysine has the potential to prevent or treat cold sores, which are blisters caused by the HSV-1 virus, also known as herpes.
Lysine operates by stunting the proliferation of HSV-1, which relies on another amino acid, arginine, to reproduce and infect cells.
Lysine can only be acquired through our diet, and is present in many high-protein foods such as eggs, dairy products, fish, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Corn grits are also not a good source of arginine, as they contain only 114 mg of arginine per 100 grams of food.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in nitric oxide production, wound healing, and blood pressure regulation.
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 abundant in arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Corn grits have a low lysine-arginine ratio of 0.596, which means they have more arginine than lysine.
This ratio may affect the balance of these amino acids in the body, and may have implications for viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), which requires arginine for replication.
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 inhibit 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 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
Corn is a cereal grain that is widely consumed around the world, either as a whole kernel or as a processed product, such as corn flour, corn syrup, corn oil, or popcorn.
Corn is high in carbohydrates, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals.
That said, corn also has more arginine than lysine, which can be problematic for people with herpes.
Arginine can stimulate the replication of the herpes virus, leading to more frequent and severe outbreaks.
Lysine can counteract the effects of arginine, but it is not abundant in corn.
Because of this, corn should be eaten in moderation or avoided by people with herpes.
Some corn products that have high amounts of arginine are popcorn, corn chips, corn tortillas, and corn bread.
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.
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.
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.
Check more food information
