Cream Cheese Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese that is made from milk and cream.It is often used as a spread on bread, bagels, or crackers, or as an ingredient in cheesecakes, dips, or frostings.
Cream cheese is high in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and low in protein, calcium, and vitamin A compared to other cheeses.
It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 686mg | 289mg | 2.37 |
Cream Cheese contains 686mg of Lysine and 289mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Cream Cheese has a very high Lysine-Arginine ratio of 2.37.
Because Cream Cheese contains much higher levels of lysine than arginine, it is highly recommended for people who suffer from herpes, as it may prevent outbreaks.
Lysine Considerations
Cream cheese is a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid that is important for protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function.
Lysine also helps prevent cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
It is one of the nine amino acids that the human system cannot make by itself, so it has to come from the food we eat.
Lysine has a variety of functions in the body, such as helping with growth, healing, energy, immunity, and collagen production.
Lysine may also have some effects on the herpes virus, which causes cold sores and genital sores.
Studies have suggested that taking lysine supplements or applying lysine cream may help prevent or treat these infections by blocking the amino acid arginine, which the virus needs to grow.
Arginine Considerations
Cream cheese is also a good source of arginine, another essential amino acid that is involved in wound healing, nitric oxide production, and growth hormone secretion.
Arginine may also improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance sexual 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 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
Cream cheese has a high lysine-arginine ratio, which means that it has more lysine than arginine.
This may be beneficial for people who suffer from herpes outbreaks, as lysine can inhibit the replication of the virus, while arginine can stimulate it.
However, the lysine-arginine ratio is not the only factor that affects herpes infection, and other dietary and lifestyle factors should also be considered.
Both lysine and arginine are important for protein synthesis and other bodily functions.
The two compounds can affect the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, in opposite ways.
Lysine can your body or stop the virus from reproducing, while arginine can help it propagate.
Eating foods with a high lysine-arginine ratio could help lower the appearance and severity of herpes outbreaks.
Some foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio are dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can give the body enough lysine to prevent the virus from taking up arginine, and thus stop its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
Like other dairy products, cheese is a decent source of lysine and scarce in arginine.
Cheese can help boost the immune system and fight off herpes infections.
Cheese also contains calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, which are essential for overall health.
Parmesan, ricotta, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese are some of the cheeses that have the most lysine compared to arginine.
For example:
A well-balanced and healthy diet that strengthens your immune system and lowers inflammation is important.
This means you should eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats, and avoid processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
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.
Avoiding foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish.
These foods can trigger inflammation and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to outbreaks.
Try eating foods that can enhance your immune system and reduce inflammation to avoid outbreaks.
Some of these foods are honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
They can also help you with your symptoms by easing pain, swelling, and itching, and accelerating your recovery.
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