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What is Protein
Proteins
are vital nutrients for the growth and sustenance of our bodies.
Proteins not only assist in the growth process, but also can substitute
as an instant source of energy when carbohydrates and fats are absent or
insufficient in the body. It is important to note here that the body
needs to break up the proteins from food into different and simpler
compounds called peptides that further dissolve into amino acids. It is
only after these amino acids reach the cells that the cells can build
proteins.
In other
words, a protein is a type of organic compound, which consists of a
linear chain of amino acids kept together by peptide links. These
peptide bonds connect on one side the carboxyl and on the other the
amino groups of residues of amino acids. There could be more than 500
amino acids in one single protein and each would have its own unique
sequence, which is predetermined by the genetic code carried in the
genes of the body. Our body comprises of 20 regular amino acids. Out of
these 20 amino acids, the human body is able to produce a total of 12
and the rest has to be procured from our diet.
The amino
acids produced within our body are also called non-essential amino acids
or indispensable amino acids (IAA), while those that we have to acquire
are known as essential amino acids. If anything happens and even one of
the IAAs are missing, the body's functions would be impacted negatively.
The eight essential amino acids are lysine, Tryptophan, phenylalanine,
methionine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine and valine. The histidine is
counted as an essential amino acid in the case of children.
Proteins
are vital elements of every living organism and they take an active part
in the majority of processes that happen within a cell. Proteins often
combine together into stable complexes to perform certain given
functions. Some of these proteins are enzymes, hormones and even
antibodies which accelerate bio-chemical reactions in the body to
promote metabolism and other functions.
The meaning
of the term protein comes from the Greek language, where "prota" means
"primary importance."
What Is
The Role Of Proteins In Our Body
A protein's
basic role in our body is to build and repair body tissues. The enzymes,
which are also proteins, are vital to the metabolism in our bodies.
Almost every vital function in the body is dependent upon one or another
protein. A number of hormones are proteins as well, as well as
antibodies. It is worthwhile to note that proteins can be converted into
fat when there is an inadequate carbohydrate or fat intake.
Somebody
suffering from a protein deficiency would be highly susceptible to
infections, complain of general weakness, develops muscle atrophy, and
edema of the tissues.
Where
Are Proteins Found
One could
safely state that there is no food that does not contain some type of
protein. The egg protein is considered to be the highest quality and
hence all others are judged by its comparison. In this context, animal
proteins (such as cheese, milk, meat) are considered to be of a higher
quality than the plant proteins because invariably they would lack some
essential amino acids.
Vegetarians
would need to combine the sources of plant proteins, such as pulses and
grains, to make up for this problem. Out of the plant protein, soy is
considered to be a high quality protein. This is why vegetarians need to
have a good mix of foods such as nuts, grains, pulses, vegetables, soy
milk, etc.
A great
thing is that one does not need to have all of the essential amino acids
within one meal. The intake can be spread over the course of the day,
since the body is able to preserve and recall the missing essential
amino acids from its reserve stores.
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