Q: I’ve heard that nuts are a good source of the amino acid L-arginine. What can it do for me and are Georgia pecans a good source?
A: Georgia pecans are an excellent source of L-arginine, an important amino acid. All amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are found in almost all protein sources, including meat, milk and eggs, but pecans and other nuts are an especially rich non-animal sources of L-arginine. That’s especially important for vegetarians and mostly vegetarian eaters to know. The amino acid appears to have a wide range of vital functions in the body, including helping wounds to heal, keeping blood vessels relaxed so blood can flow freely, helping to reduce cholesterol and helping prevent blood clots. One study found that the higher the intake of dietary L-arginine, the lower the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. CRP is an indicator of inflammation in the body and some research suggests high blood levels may increase your risk of heart disease. L-arginine is also important for the immune system to function properly. When your body is under unusual stress from illness, infections or injuries, the need for arginine may increase.
