Protein

Protein

*Meaning of Protein*

Introduction

Protein is an important substance found in every cell in the human body. It is also a macronutrient and biomolecule that can play many roles inside the cell. Protein in the diet can come from animal, marine, and plant sources.

All proteins are formed from varying combinations of twenty one specific nitrogen containing chemicals called amino acids. These amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of protein because they string together to form an almost endless variety of protein molecules.

Protein is a major component of almost every cell in the body and it is also a constituent of anti-bodies, an important part of our immune system, so it helps us fight infections. Next to water, protein is the major constituent of the human body. If your diet does not contain enough carbohydrates or fat to be used as energy, your body will use protein even at the expense of building or maintaining your body tissue.

Protein foods must be digested, or broken down, into their amino acid components in order to be used by the body. Complete proteins come from animal sources, these include beef, veal, lamb, poultry, fish, milk, eggs.

Protein deficiency is kwashiorkor and inadequate protein and energy in a diet causes marasmus. We must keep ourselves reminded to eat complementary source of plant protein.

*PROTEIN FUNCTIONS*

1. Building Tissues and Muscles
Protein are needed for Muscles building and repairing worn-out and damaged cells and tissues and healing of wounds.

2. Hormone Production
Like insulin is protein, which regulates the activity of the cells or organs.

3. Transports and Stores Nutrients
Transport proteins carry substances throughout our bloodstream into cells out of cells or within cells. The substances transported by these proteins include nutrients like vitamins or minerals, blood sugar, cholesterol and oxygen.

4. Enzymes Production
They speedup the rate of chemical reactions in the body.

5. lmmune Function
They helps in healing of wounds.

6. Energy Production
Proteins are broken down to supply these calories when proteins are used for energy they are not available for other vital functions.

7. Transport of Oxygen
8.Blood Clotting Function
9.Muscles Contractility.

From these, it is obvious that protein is really indispensable in our diet.

Thanks for reading!

Reference: Understanding food and nutrition by James A. Ajala

Article by: Adisa Ruth
Food, Nutrients & Health.