Cranberries Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Cranberries are small, tart fruits that are often consumed as juice or dried fruit.They are known for their bright red color and distinct, sharp flavor.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They are often associated with benefits like improved immune function and prevention of certain types of infections, such as urinary tract infections.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberries | 15.5mg | 32.3mg | 0.48 |
Cranberries contains 15.5mg of Lysine and 32.3mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Cranberries has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.48.
Because Cranberries 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
Cranberries contain a moderate amount of lysine. While not a high source, they can contribute to the overall daily intake of this essential amino acid.
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 slowing down 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
Cranberries contain more arginine than lysine. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in several bodily functions, including wound healing and immune function.
Arginine has multiple benefits for our wellbeing and performance, such as lowering blood pressure, enhancing wound healing, and increasing exercise endurance.
Arginine can also affect the herpes virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.
Studies suggest that arginine may help the virus grow and cause outbreaks, so people with herpes may want to avoid foods that are high in arginine or take lysine supplements to block its effects.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
The lysine to arginine ratio in cranberries is rather low, indicating that these berries contain almost double arginine than lysine.
Despite this, the relatively low amount of both aminoacids is unlikely to have an affect on the overall lysine-arginine ratio unless consumed in very large amounts.
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 prevent 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 symptoms.
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 availability of arginine by the virus, and thus prevent its growth and spread.
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 stunt or soothe 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:
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.
Drinking enough water to keep yourself hydrated and remove toxins from your body.
Water can also help prevent dryness and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, which can result in fewer 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.
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.
Eating foods that can soothe your symptoms and speed up your healing process, such as honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
These foods have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that can reduce pain, swelling, and itching, and promote tissue repair.
Check more food information
