Potato Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
A potato is a starchy tuber that can be cooked in various ways, such as boiled, baked, or fried.Potatoes are a staple food that provide carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, but they also have a high glycemic index and may contain toxins if not properly stored.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potato | 126.7mg | 93.3mg | 1.357 |
Potato contains 126.7mg of Lysine and 93.3mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Potato has a high Lysine-Arginine ratio of 1.357.
Because Potato contains slightly more lysine than arginine, increasing its consumption may benefit people who suffer from herpes, as it may boost the immune system.
Lysine Considerations
Potatoes have a low amount of lysine, which is an essential amino acid that supports 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 inhibitnig 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, milk, cheese and yogurt, fish, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Potatoes have a very low amount of arginine, which is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in wound healing, nitric oxide production, and urea cycle.
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 rich in arginine compared to lysine may increase the frequency and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Potatoes have a high lysine-arginine ratio, which may be beneficial for people with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, as lysine may inhibit the replication of HSV, while arginine may enhance it.
The herpes simplex virus, which causes oral and genital herpes, needs arginine to multiply and infect cells.
Lysine, on the other hand, can interfere with the absorption of arginine in the intestine, and thus limit the availability of arginine for the virus.
By eating a diet higher in lysine than arginine, one may be able to prevent or treat herpes symptoms.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include milk and cheese, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can supply the body with sufficient lysine to compete with arginine and inhibit the virus from replicating and causing outbreaks.
Dietary Considerations
Most vegetables are scarce in in calories and a great source of in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Many vegetables have more lysine than arginine, such as beets, turnips, tomatoes, soybean sprouts, potatoes, celery, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.
These vegetables can help prevent or treat herpes outbreaks, as lysine can suppress the herpes virus.
Other vegetables have more arginine than lysine, such as peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
These vegetables can still be consumed in moderation, as they have other health benefits.
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.
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.
Pain, swelling, and itching can be reduced by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, such as honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
These foods can also help you heal faster by promoting tissue repair.
Check more food information
