Anti-Ageing: Essential Amino Acids Series :Taurine Part 1
Welcome to our Anti-Ageing Amino Acids Series, where we explore the fascinating world of Age-Ageing Measures both Biochemical, Mental and Physical components and their potential to enhance longevity and vitality.
In this article, we delve into the benefits of Taurine, a lesser-known amino acid that has been gaining attention for its potential to elongate life span.
What is Taurine?
Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic compound that is widely distributed in animal tissues.It is a sulfur-containing amino acid with a simple structure in animals.
The Benefits to Humans:
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in high concentrations in various tissues in the body, including the brain, heart, and muscles. It plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, such as regulating cell membrane stability, modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing oxidative stress
Interestingly, Taurine is not used in protein formation process in human body unlike other amino acids,
The Anti-Ageing Potential of Taurine
Ageing is defined as a process that decreases the human body’s capacity to withstand damage, disease and stress. Some times Ageing itself is considered as a disease , which is needed to be treated, by some scientific communities.
Ageing affects physiological processes on many levels, including respiratory cycles, vision, blood pressure, postural dynamics and ultimately raises the risk of mortality and lowers fertility.
Research suggests that Taurine may have anti-ageing properties that can help slow down the ageing process and promote longevity.
For a long time Taurine was no considered an essential amino acid. But this view is changing now. The new studies have suggested that Taurine plays an important role in reducing all cause of mortality and supporting health span and longevity. Here are several multifarious ways in which Taurine may confer benefits to the body:
Taurine 2-aminoethanesulphonic acid, a non-essential amino acid containing sulphur, is widely expressed in animal tissues such as the brain, muscles, retina and organs throughout the body
1. Cellular Protection
Taurine acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, Taurine helps to preserve the integrity of cellular structures and DNA, thereby reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
2. Cardiovascular Health
Taurine has been shown to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. It helps to regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve heart function. By maintaining cardiovascular health, Taurine may contribute to a longer and healthier life.
3. Brain Function
As an essential component of brain tissue, Taurine plays a vital role in supporting cognitive function and protecting against age-related cognitive decline. It has been shown to enhance memory, improve learning ability, and promote overall brain health.
4. Energy Metabolism
Taurine is involved in various metabolic processes, including the production and utilization of energy. By supporting energy metabolism, Taurine helps to maintain optimal cellular function and may contribute to increased vitality and longevity.
Taurine is present in breast milk. Infants who are not breastfed may have low levels of taurine. They can get their intake from infant formulas that are fortified with taurine.
Taurine Deficiency and Diseases
How to raise Taurine level with your favourite food
Seafood:
You can opt for tuna and tilapia, these are dark jewels of the sea, particularly revered for their taurine richness.
Poultry:
Who else but the Good old succulent turkey, which among its avian kin boasts the highest taurine treasure?
Meats:
Relish in the versatility of chicken and beef, staples that offer a hearty taurine bounty.
Shellfish:
Savor the scallops, the oceanic gems with a good amount of taurine
Plant-based:
Explore the seaweed, a plant-based trove of taurine, offering a Vegan/vegetarian’s delight in the quest for this essential nutrient.
Supplimenting with Taurine
Although the body naturally produces Taurine and it can be acquired through dietary means, some individuals may opt to take Taurine supplements in order to maintain optimal levels. These supplements are readily accessible and come in different forms such as capsules and powders. The recommended dosage varies from person to person based on individual requirements, age, body weight, and potential interactions with other medications.
It is important to note that before starting any new supplement regimen, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.
Does taurine help in sleep?
Taurine and Melatonin
The Dynamic Duo: Taurine & Melatonin for a Good Sleep
Occasionally, life might feel like a merry-go-round where you are just trying to get that good night sleep. But there’s taurine to pull you off the dizzying ride; it is the thing. It is kind of an introverted amino acid that whispers sweet nothings into your nervous system, guiding it gently into the arms of Morpheus.
Taurine: Lullaby for Nervous Systems Just imagine your brain as a radio that has been playing the heavy metal of life at full volume all day long. Taurine is the knob that turns it down to the soft jazz channel. By activating GABA(A) receptors, it helps tune out the day’s chaos and tune into the tranquil frequencies of relaxation. It’s not about flipping on sleep but about adjusting an entire dial so as to get right lullaby sound to put you under.
Melatonin: The Conductor of the Sleep Symphony Melatonin is like a director who leads his band into performing a musical piece when every member knows what he expects from him or her. This hormone switches off all other cells in our bodies by indicating them that now we should darken and close everything up. In this case, Taurine plays a stage manager role ensuring melatonin delivers in key and allows your body drift off.
Cortisol: The Party Crasher Now what about cortisol? This hormone is known for gatecrashing parties with noise! If one reaches beyond…
Can you suppliment Multi-vitamins with taurine?
Multivitamins with Taurine: The Extra Boost Your Body Might Need
In the thick market of dietary supplements, where each bottle and pill guarantees wellness and vitality, multivitamins with taurine are like a waiting genie lamp to grant your health wishes. But what’s the deal with these supplements? Unravel the mystery in a relatable language as comfortable as that pair of jeans you so love.
The Multivitamin Ensemble : Just like an ensemble cast for a blockbuster movie, multivitamins are effective when taken as one unit. Each vitamin and mineral has its own chance to shine contributing to overall masterpiece which is your health. They fill in dietary gaps ensuring you don’t lose out on any vital nutrients.
Taurine Joins the Cast When taurine joins this multitude of vitamins, it is like adding special effects genius to the movie team. It also comes with its own notable skills including maintaining blood pressure levels within normal range and supporting heart function3. Also, it has an antioxidant effect; it’s like having your personal security against bad free radicals4.
The Benefits of Taurine-Infused Multivitamins Imagine that your body is high-tech gadget and taurine is its latest software update. Mostly in terms of energy levels & athletic performance; especially concerning running functions more efficiently
Conclusion
Taurine, an often overlooked amino acid, holds great potential in the quest for a longer and healthier life. Its antioxidant properties, cardiovascular benefits, positive impact on brain function, and involvement in energy metabolism make it a promising candidate for anti-aging interventions.
Please Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management is essential for overall well-being and longevity. While Taurine may offer benefits, it is just one piece of the puzzle in the pursuit of a longer and healthier life.
Taurine is neither not a elixir of life nor an elixir of youth, but the recently research suggest that it may hold potential as a supplement capable of enhancing the functionality and rejuvenating certain bodily systems which could be considered in partial Age reversal.
Stay tuned for more articles in our Anti-Ageing Amino Acids Series, where we continue to explore the fascinating world of amino acids and their potential to unlock the secrets of ageing gracefully.
Reference and further reading:
Taurine in Health and Disease :2012 Publisher: Research Signpost Editors: Abdeslem El Idrissi and William J. L’Amoreaux Department of Biology, Center for Developmental Neuroscience, and Advanced Imaging Facility College of Staten Island, The City University of New York,USA
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Prior to undertaking any supplementation, it is imperative that you consult with a qualified medical and healthcare professional. Reader discretion is advised.
Further reading :