What is Glutamic Acid?
The structure of living beings is one of the most complex things. The acids formed in the body, the functioning of the organs, the changes in the body, and many other processes make this thing complex. But science has made everything known to everyone. Among all acids produced in the human body, one is Glutamic Acid. It is an amino acid that is produced in the body of all living beings. The work of glutamic acid is to produce proteins in the body. With this article, we have covered up all the knowledge about glutamic acid.
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Details about Glutamic Acid Production
In all living beings, the production of glutamic acid takes place. It is an alpha-amino acid that helps in the biosynthesis of proteins. However, in a human body, it becomes non-essential as it gets synthesized. Apart from the biosynthesis of glutamic acid, one should know that it can work as a neurotransmitter to the human body. This alpha-amino acid allows the nerve cells to transmit the information to the brain. However, this acid becomes glutamate in the human body.
Glutamic acid production also takes place in plants. Some plants can produce glutamic acid which is almost 45 percent of their weight. This kind of alpha-amino acid does not require any nutritional source, it can be synthesized from oxoglutaric acid in animals.
However, this acid can be easily consumed by human beings through natural sources. It is found in vegetables or food containing high-protein. High protein food like eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and milk products act as a primary source of this acid. Apart from these sources, vegetable sources like beets, cabbage, parsley, wheatgrass, maize, kale, and spinach act as sources of this amino acid.
Now, before heading towards the glutamic structure, the following points include some basic information about this acid:
Formula for this alpha-amino acid is C5H9NO4
The Molar Weight of this acid is 147.13 g/mol
The boiling point of this alpha-amino acid is 333.8°
The melting point is 199°C
What is Glutamic Acid structure?
The glutamic acid structure is similar to that of any normal amino acid. The amino acid structure groups include:
Amine group
R group
Central carbon
Carboxylic group
The anime group is attached to central carbon, and it acts as a bridge between chemical groups. The carboxylic group is a bond of oxygen and hydrogen. Therefore, the central carbon, carboxylic group, and amine group are common to all amino acids. However, the R group is different for each acid.
In the case of Glutamic acid, the R group is C3H5O2. The molecule of this acid is positively charged on one side while negatively charged on the other side. This proves that it is polar by nature.
What is Glutamic Acid uses?
Glutamic acid uses are not limited to only transmitting information to the brain, but it is more than that. The uses of this alpha-amino acid include:
1. Metabolism: In a body, this alpha-amino acid has a crucial role. In the human body, this amino acid helps to dispose of surplus nitrogen. The biosynthesis of glutamic acid will help to have better metabolism.
2. Brain functioning: For the better functioning of the brain, alpha-amino acid serves energy to it. With this acid, mental preparation is promoted. The consumption of glutamic acid benefits the learning capabilities of the brain, and many health professionals recommend its consumption.
3. Prostate Health: Prostate health is composed of high glutamic acid. Therefore, a lack of this amino acid can lead to the non-functioning of prostate health.
4. Heart Functioning: This glutamic acid also helps in the functioning of the heart. The type of glutamic acid, i.e. Monosodium glutamate improves the heartbeat in the human body.
What are Glutamic Acid Benefits?
The benefits or application of glutamic acid has a wide range:
1. When a person is treated with chemotherapy, this amino acid can help in preventing nerve damage.
2. It serves as a support for the treatment of epilepsy and muscular dystrophy.
3. The use of Glutamic acid benefits the treatment of behavioural problems of childhood.
4. The problem of congestion is also treated with the help of glutamic acid.
5. This acid also benefits the skin. It helps the skin molecules to bind water in the skin, thereby moisturizing the skin. With moisturized skin, a person can get an enhanced look.
Fun Fact
Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that produces a protein in the body. The application of glutamic acid is wide in the medical industry. From treating congestion to supporting childhood problems, this acid helps in various areas. However, an excessive intake of glutamic acid can lead to side effects. Therefore, one should consume this from external sources only on the recommendation of a doctor.
FAQs on Glutamic Acid
1. Is the glutamic acid uses bad for health?
Ans: No, the use of glutamic acid is not considered as bad for health. It is so because this acid is not harmful to any human body or living organism. Many traditional dishes have high glutamic acid, and they are not harmful when consumed. This proves that it is bad for health and not additive. Even this amino acid is used in the medical treatment of many health issues. Glutamic acid is produced by the body and can be consumed from external sources. But one should know that extra consumption of this acid can be harmful.
2. Is glutamic acid important for the body?
Ans: Yes, glutamic acid is important for the body. It helps in the immune system, metabolism, brain functioning, and transmission of information. Due to these factors, the application of glutamic acid is wide in the healthcare sector. It is so because it helps the human body in many ways. From protein building to treating various problems, glutamic acid serves as an essential acid. However, with the increase in age, the body produces less of this acid. Therefore, it becomes important to consume this acid from external sources with the help of a properly balanced diet.
