Arginine is one of the 8 amino acids essential for the human body, and according to the different optical rotations, it has two configurations, left-handed (L-) and right-handed (D-), of which only L-arginine is biologically active and can be found in living organisms. D-arginine is synthesized. Therefore, when people talk about arginine, they all refer to L-arginine.
L-arginine is needed by the human body for a variety of important functions. For example, it stimulates the body to release specific chemicals such as insulin and human growth hormone. This amino acid also helps remove ammonia from the body and has a wound healing effect. It is also needed for the body to produce sarcosine. Nitric oxide is produced when L-arginine is broken down, so it dilates vascular disease and increases blood flow.
Normally, the body itself produces enough L-arginine. But when it is insufficient, it can be supplemented by eating arginine-rich foods. L-arginine can be found in any food that contains protein, such as meat, poultry, cheese products, fish, etc. Arginine-rich foods include almonds, walnuts, dried sunflower kernels, dark chocolate, chickpeas, hazelnuts, etc.