Amino acidsAmino acids are necessary for good health; they are the constituents of proteins, and there are over 20 different types which can be arranged in millions of different patterns. We need them for a variety of functions, including repairing damaged tissue, replenishing cells, producing hormones and enzymes, maintaining a healthy digestion and immune system, producing skin, hair, nails etc.....
Many of these amino acids can be produced by our bodies, but there are 8 which cannot, which we therefore have to get from our food; these are called the essential amino acids, and we really need to obtain all of them every day from our food, since the body cannot produce them. If one is missing the others are less effective, or even ineffective. Unfortunately no food (except eggs) contains all eight, so it is important that we eat a variety of foods every day.
However, we can get all the amino acids from certain combinations, for example rice and legumes - beans, including soya beans.
Even if no meat is eaten, fish will provide those we would otherwise lack.
These amino acids are the basis of protein, but many people are protein-deficient, and this worsens as we get older; in fact it is a major problem, contributing to a whole range pf health problems. Many people think that protein equals meat, but this is misleading. Again the solution lies in eating a varied, balanced diet.
Eggs, apart from providing protein and all 8 essential amino acids, are an important source of lecithin, which helps to counter the effects of fat and cholesterol - and is also said to be good for the brain - and minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium and phosphorous. They also provide vitamins A, D, E and B, particularly B12 which is often lacking in vegetarian diets, resulting in a high risk of anaemia.
It should be apparent from the information on this website that a Japanese diet (or Japanese-inspired diet) provides all the protein and amino acids we need, from the rice, soy products, vegetables and fish - and of course eggs.
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