Glutamic acid is an important amino acid for the proper functioning of the brain, in addition to being essential to originate other substances essential for the proper functioning of the body, such as glutamate, proline, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ornithine and glutamine, which is a amino acid that is quickly available and is fundamental to the muscle formation process, and is often used as a supplement by people who want to gain muscle mass.
The main sources of glutamic acid are animal foods, such as egg, milk, cheese and meat, but it can also be found in some vegetables, such as asparagus, watercress and lettuce, for example.
Glutamic acid is responsible for the umami flavor, which corresponds to the pleasant taste of food. For this reason, the salt of glutamic acid, called monosodium glutamate, is used in the food industry as an additive to enhance the taste of food.
List of foods rich in Glutamic Acid
Animal foods are the main source of glutamic acid, but this amino acid can also be found in other foods, the main ones being:
- Egg; Milk; Cheese; Fish; Yogurt; Meat; Pumpkin; Watercress; Cassava; Garlic; Lettuce; Potatoes; Asparagus; Broccoli; Beets; Eggplant; Carrots; Okra; Pods; Cashews; Brazil nuts; Almonds; Peanuts; Oats; Beans; Pea;
The glutamic acid present in food is absorbed in the small intestine but as the body is able to produce this amino acid its consumption through food is not very necessary.
What is glutamic acid for
Glutamic acid plays a fundamental role with regard to the proper functioning of the brain, since it is able to stimulate memory and helps in the elimination of ammonia, which is a toxic substance, promoting brain detoxification.
In addition, as it is a precursor to several other substances in the body, glutamic acid has other functions, the main ones being:
- Strengthening of the immune system; Energy production; Protein synthesis, promoting muscle formation; Decreased anxiety; Improved cardiac and brain function; Elimination of toxic substances from the circulation.
In addition, glutamic acid is able to mobilize fat and can therefore be used as an ally in the weight loss process.
