It is a building block for new protein synthesis, an excitatory neurotransmitter (see further below) and a precursor of another neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It plays a key role in the removal of excess nitrogen from the body, in the synthesis of glutathione an important antioxidant, and in the synthesis of many other amino acids, including glutamine, arginine and proline. 95% of dietary glutamate is metabolized by cells in the intestine, where it serves as an important source of energy for these cells. Natural sources of glutamate in our diet: During digestion, protein is broken down into amino acids, making dietary protein by far the largest contributor to free glutamate in the gut. Certain foods, for example, ripe tomatoes, contain an abundance of free glutamate glutamate that is not part of protein. Some other common natural sources of free glutamate in our diet are grape juice, potatoes, broccoli, fish, parmesan cheese, and mushrooms. Fermented foods, such as soy sauce and miso, are particularly rich in free glutamate. Yeast extract, an ingredient in which the proteins are physically or chemically broken down (e.g., by hydrolysis), is another plentiful source of free glutamate. Human breast milk contains a substantial amount of free amino acids, of which glutamate is the most abundant. In fact, glutamate concentration in breast milk increases significantly during the first three months of lactation. Glutamate salts: Sometimes free glutamate or glutamate salts are added to food to enhance umami (savory) flavor. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, meaning that it has an added sodium (Na) ion that readily separates from glutamate when it dissolves in water (Figure 2)
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the science of glutathione, its role in melanin production, and how it fits into our wellness journey at Cymbiotika
Setting the Stage: The Hunt for Gastric Protection To really appreciate their work, you have to understand the scientific climate of the time
If you rely heavily on caffeine to fight meal-related fatigue, it may be better to adjust your diet or sleep routine instead of masking the problem
