Protein is the king of diets. Few nutrients are very essential as like protein. Sufficient protein should be consumed to maintain proper diet and health.
There are different opinions on how much protein a human body actually need. So here it goes on what protein is and why it is necessary?
Proteins are the main building blocks of our body as it is used to make muscles, organs and skin to serve many important functions. Without protein life is something not possible. Generally proteins are made up of smaller molecules called amino acids which are linked together like beads and strings.
These amino acids form long proteins which are folded into complex shapes. These amino acids are produced by our body. Protein is not just about the quality but also the quantity. Where animal protein provides all amino acids in the right and appropriate ratio.
Eating animal products like fish, meat, and eggs on daily basis then it means you’re actually having good protein foods. There are 20 different amino acids which that body uses to synthesis proteins. Amino acids are organic molecules which consist of carbon , hydrogen , oxygen and nitrogen .There are three different types of proteins and they are
- Complete proteins
- Incomplete proteins
- Complementary proteins
Complete proteins are the food items which consist essential amino acids and they mostly found in animal foods like meat and dairy products.
Incomplete proteins consist essential amount of amino acids and there is lack of balance in the proteins where plant foods such as peas, grains are a source of incomplete protein.
Complementary proteins are two or more foods which contain incomplete protein where people combine to supply complete protein. Food items like rice ,bread with butter are a source of complementary protein.
As we all know proteins play a vital role in all the biological process and the main function of protein is to build and repair tissues and they can be structural or hormonal. Keratin is a structural protein that strengthens the coverings such as hair and provides the support for tissues. Most of the enzymes are proteins and are catalyst which can speed can speed up any chemical reactions.
Deficiency of protein
Very low intake of protein causes issues like
- Weak muscle tone
- It can cause swelling
- It can brittle hair and cause hair lose
- It can lose muscle mass
To overcome from all these troubles it is recommended to consume 5 to 7 ounces of protein foods a day.
