Glutamic acid is an important amino acid for the proper functioning of the brain, in addition to being fundamental for originating other essential substances 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 essential for 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 foods of animal origin, such as eggs, 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. Therefore, the salt of glutamic acid, called monosodium glutamate, is used in the food industry as an additive to enhance the flavor of food.
List of foods rich in Glutamic Acid
Foods of animal origin correspond to the main source of glutamic acid, but this amino acid can also be found in other foods, the main ones being:
- Ovo;
- Leite;
- Cheese;
- Fish;
- Yogurt;
- Carne;
- Pumpkin;
- Cress;
- Cassava;
- Garlic;
- Lettuce;
- English potato;
- Asparagus;
- Broccoli;
- Beet;
- Eggplant;
- Carrot;
- Okra;
- Pod;
- Cashew nut;
- Brazil nuts;
- Almonds;
- Peanut;
- Oat;
- Bean;
- Pea;
The glutamic acid present in food is absorbed in the small intestine, but as the body can produce this amino acid, its consumption through food is not necessary.
What is glutamic acid for?
Glutamic acid plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the brain, as it is capable of stimulating memory and helps eliminate ammonia, which is a toxic substance, promoting brain detoxification.
Furthermore, as it is a precursor of several other substances in the body, glutamic acid has other functions, the main ones being:
- Strengthening the immune system;
- Production of energy;
- Protein synthesis, promoting muscle formation;
- Decreased anxiety;
- Improved heart and brain function;
- Elimination of toxic substances from circulation.
Furthermore, glutamic acid is capable of mobilizing fat and can therefore be used as an ally in the weight loss process.
