Lysine is another great reason to keep filling your plate with lentils, kale, quinoa, and other nourishing protein-rich foods. It impacts your overall health through its roles in forming collagen, hormones, immune cells, and more. Lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids that your body needs to make protein—and you can only get it through your diet or supplements.
1. Prevents cold sores
If cold-sore flare-ups are dragging you down, it may be a sign that you’re not getting enough lysine. Lysine is a natural therapy for preventing recurring cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It has also been shown to reduce the severity and healing time of these pesky lesions. Lysine works by balancing the effect of the amino acid arginine that HSV needs to replicate, while also repairing and healing cold sore-blistered skin.