Amino Acids in Spelt

Spelt is a long-cultivated type of wheat -- Merriam-Webster traces the original use of the word to sometime before the 12th century -- that has the advantage of not requiring heavy fertilizer use. Spelt is low in carbohydrates and fat with a moderate amount of protein. Due to its protein content, spelt contains a variety of amino acids, although it is a better supply of certain amino acids than others.

Glutamic Acid

The most abundant amino acid in spelt is glutamic acid, as one cup of spelt provides 8 g. Glutamic acid is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in your brain, and it is crucial for optimal cognition, as it is involved in memory and learning. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that your body can produce it on its own.

Proline

Spelt is particularly rich in proline, as one cup of the wheat provides about 2.8 g of this amino acid. As with glutamic acid, proline is a nonessential amino acid, and your body can make proline from glutamic acid. Proline assists in the production of collagen, which contributes to the structure of your tendons, bones, skin, membranes and other tissues. Your body loses collagen as you age, so consuming proline may help support continued structural integrity of tissues.

Leucine

Spelt also contains a fairly large dose of leucine, with 1.8g per cup. Leucine is classified as an essential amino acid because your body can't produce it. Leucine helps build muscle and is used as a supplement among strength-training athletes. Research published in the January 2003 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" notes that leucine can also be beneficial for dieting, as it encourages "sparing of lean body mass" during weight loss and may enhance weight and fat loss.

Aspartic Acid

One cup of spelt contains 1.3 g of aspartic acid, which is a nonessential amino acid. Aspartic acid helps ensure proper functioning of your nervous system and is involved in hormone release. Some research suggests that aspartic acid may be helpful for boosting testosterone levels; an October 2009 study from "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology" found that 12 days of consuming 3 g of aspartic acid significantly increased testosterone levels in young men.