Wondering what on earth lysine is and why it might benefit you? You’ve come to the right place! Useful for those looking to improve their recovery time after they exercise, lysine also has many other potential perks for the body and the mind…
First things first, what is lysine?
Lysine is a type of essential amino acid, and it’s needed by the body to make protein. We can’t produce it ourselves, so we must get it through what we eat. L-lysine is the form of lysine which can be used by our bodies; it’s this that’s present in a massive range of foods and in lysine supplements.
What are the health benefits of lysine?
While often used in sport nutrition products to support muscle growth and repair, l-lysine is also thought to aid several other processes in the body. Here are four significant lysine benefits:
- Lysine could improve athletic performance
- Lysine is a potential treatment for cold sores
- Lysine may boost your bone health
- Lysine could aid with anxiety
Sources of lysine
As previously mentioned, lysine cannot be made by the body, so must be sourced from either food or supplements. High-protein foods often contain l-lysine. If you follow a plant-based diet, this will include things like:6- Soy-based products
- Avocados
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Dried apricots or mango
- Chickpeas
- Spirulina
- Beans, including kidney beans and black beans
- Lentils
Alternatively, you might want to try taking a lysine supplement. L-lysine tablets come in different strengths which are very easy to incorporate into your daily routine. As with any supplement, make sure you read the back of the packet correctly for advice on dosages.
Shop Amino AcidsLast updated: 5 November 2020
- 1 https://www.livestrong.com/article/419397-the-effect-of-lysine-supplement-exercise/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lysine-benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lysine-benefits
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-lysine-help-to-heal-cold-sores-88922
- https://www.healthline.com/health/lysine-foods#benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/health/lysine-foods#lysine-in-vegetables