What is Cysteine?
Cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it from methionine, another essential amino acid, but it can become essential under certain conditions such as illness or stress. Cysteine is crucial for protein synthesis, detoxification, and the production of the antioxidant glutathione. It also plays a role in maintaining skin, hair, and nail health.
Benefits of Cysteine
Protein Synthesis: Important for the production and maintenance of proteins in the body.
Detoxification: Helps in detoxifying harmful substances and heavy metals from the body.
Antioxidant Production: Precursor to glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.
Skin, Hair, and Nail Health: Essential for the health and strength of skin, hair, and nails.
Immune Support: Supports the immune system and aids in the production of white blood cells.
Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Cysteine
The DRV for Cysteine is approximately 19 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:
19 mg x 70 kg = 1,330 mg per day
Foods High in Cysteine
Here are some foods rich in Cysteine along with their approximate Cysteine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (1,330 mg per day).
Top Sources of Cysteine for Carnivores
Pork Loin
Cysteine content: 260 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 20%
Chicken Breast
Cysteine content: 222 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 17%
Lean Beef
Cysteine content: 222 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 17%
Turkey Breast
Cysteine content: 201 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 15%
Tuna
Cysteine content: 180 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 14%
Top Sources of Cysteine for Vegans
Soy Protein Isolate
Cysteine content: 655 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 49%
Sunflower Seeds
Cysteine content: 451 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 34%
Lentils
Cysteine content: 380 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 29%
Oats
Cysteine content: 200 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 15%
Brown Rice
Cysteine content: 190 mg per 100g
% of Daily Need: 14%