Hominy Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Hominy is a food product made from dried maize (corn) kernels that have been treated with an alkali, in a process called nixtamalization.This process removes the hull and germ of the corn and causes the grain to puff up to about twice its normal size, giving it a distinctive texture.
Hominy is a staple of Mexican and Native American cuisines, and is often used in traditional dishes such as posole (a hearty stew) and hominy grits.
Hominy rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, and it’s also a good source of magnesium, essential for muscle and nerve function, and phosphorus, which contributes to bone health and energy production.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hominy | 30mg | 68mg | 0.44 |
Hominy contains 30mg of Lysine and 68mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Hominy has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.44.
Because Hominy 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
Hominy contains 30mg of lysine per 100g. Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function.
It's one of the nine amino acids that the body can't produce, so it must be included in our diet.
Lysine has a variety of roles in the body, such as aiding in growth, healing, energy production, immune function, and the production of collagen.
Research indicates that lysine may have an impact on the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital sores.
Taking lysine supplements or using lysine cream could potentially prevent or treat these infections by stunting the amino acid arginine, which the virus requires for growth.
Arginine Considerations
Hominy contains more arginine than lysine, with 68mg 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 different benefits for our health 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
Hominy contains more arginine than lysine, which can be undesirable for those who are prone to cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
This is however unlikely to have an effect on the overall lysine-arginine ratio in one’s diet, unless consumed in very large amounts.
Both lysine and arginine play crucial roles in protein synthesis and other metabolic activities.
Interestingly, they have contrasting effects on the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes.
Lysine can slow down the virus's ability to replicate, while arginine can promote it.
Consequently, consuming foods with a high lysine to arginine ratio may help decrease the frequency and severity of herpes flare ups.
Foods with a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy products products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can supply the body with sufficient lysine to block the virus's absorption of arginine, thereby preventing its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
Grains are generally scarce in lysine and a decent source of in arginine, which makes them less beneficial for people with herpes.
That said, some grains are better than others in terms of their lysine to arginine ratio.
Quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, and seitan are some of the grains that have more lysine than arginine, or at least a balanced ratio.
These grains can be included in a healthy diet, as they also provide fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
For instance:
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.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine which can overstimulate your body, leave you dehydrated, and compromise your immune system.Consider taking l-lysine supplements, which can help prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it emerges by limiting the availability of arginine for the virus, which it requires to produce a cold sore.
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.
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