Before we can list Lysine rich foods and know why they are such, we first have to know what Lysine is and what does it really do for your body.

First off, Lysine is one of the many amino acids found in our bodies as well as in substance we put inside our systems like food and drinks. Being an amino acid, Lysine is an essential ingredient in making proteins. I think every health and fitness buff know that protein is a very essential substance for building leaner muscles. Aside from that protein is also an essential substance along with vitamin C and zinc in promoting fast healing of wounds. Also, proteins are used as back-up sources of energy in times when the body undergoes stressful situations that depletes our first-line reserves of energy - the carbohydrates.

Aside from these general functions that protein does to our body, Lysine has other purposes as well. Lysine is an important substance that aids the body in manufacturing carnitine. Carnitine, if you are not familiar with, is a substance that lowers lipoproteins by burning excess fat stored in our tissues - thus Lysine's ability to cause weight loss. Also Lysine is one of the few substances found in nature that aids our systems to take in calcium from the foods we eat, and the calcium synthesized by our sun vitamin in the small intestines. It also aids other substances in forming elastin as well as collagen - two substances necessary to keep your connective tissues in top form and make your skin look younger than your age. Pretty fancy benefits from a natural occurring amino acid if you ask me.

So how do you keep sufficient Lysine stores in your body? Simple. You just have to consume the necessary amount of Lysine rich foods each day and be sure to incorporate it regularly on your dietary regimen. In general, foods that are high in protein are also high in Lysine. Known foods that are rich in Lysine and other amino acids are meats (any type of meat will do, whether it's pork, lamb, turkey, beef, or fish), fruits like bananas, pears and apples, vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli, a wide assortment of nuts are also good sources of Lysine, even dairy products like cheese, milk, and the like.

It's actually not hard to search for Lysine rich foods. After all you can find protein rich foods anywhere and they occur naturally in our environment. The key here is to consume the recommended amount each day and make it a habit.