Here I go again, talking about protein. You already get it, right? The importance of eating animal protein, the importance of eating enough animal protein, the importance of adequate protein and how it will help you with virtually every health-related goal. If you feel like half the time I’m trying to stress some point about protein, you’re probably right.
But there is another stone left unturned here (definitely more than one if I’m being honest). There’s more nuance to the story. What’s important is not simply the amount of protein, nor just where the protein comes from, but the type of protein. More specifically, the ratios and amounts of amino acids that we consume. Now to be clear, there are a lot of important amino acids (being building blocks of life and whatnot), but in this blog I will focus on methionine and glycine.
Methionine is an essential amino acid. This means that we have to obtain sufficient amounts of it from our nutrition, as our bodies cannot make it on its own, nor can we convert other amino acids into methionine. Methionine has an exceptional number of jobs, including detoxifying harmful substances in the body - such as heavy metals - and preventing fat deposits in your liver. Humans tend to obtain methionine from some of the most common animal protein sources, such as eggs and meat. If you’re eating adequate amounts of animal protein, chances are you are intaking adequate amounts of methionine.
Glycine, on the other hand, is a conditionally essential amino acid. This means that certain demands may make it difficult or impossible for the body to make its own adequate amounts, which would then necessitate using dietary sources to obtain it. Animal bones, organs, skin, and connective tissues are all relatively rich sources of this amino acid. And this is the key - this is where problems often arise.
Generally, modern people are not getting adequate glycine relative to methionine. This imbalance may be a contributing factor in certain health concerns, including systemic inflammation. Additionally, glycine along with other amino acids found in the “less-desirable” animal parts (skin, connective tissues, bones, etc.) can help improve skin, strengthen and repair joints, prevent bone loss, and more.
So it’s not just that we want to intake adequate protein, but we also want to make sure that we have a balance of all the right amino acids. Luckily, the solution to this can be both easy and delicious. Something as simple as making your own bone broth and consuming it a few times per week (either by adding it into soups and stews, or by drinking a hot cup of it by itself) can make a huge difference. If that’s not your style, you can buy premade bone broths or collagen powders and use those instead. If you go the latter route, just be sure you are buying the real-deal quality stuff, and not just salt water masquerading as bone broth.
No matter how you choose to incorporate it, it is important to make sure you are getting an adequate balance of essential amino acids and conditionally essential amino acids. You may notice not only a decrease in symptoms of inflammation, but an increase in overall health and wellbeing. Plus, you know, any excuse to eat soup…