The Importance of ProteinThe importance of protein as an essential component of every cell in the body cannot be over-stated. Your muscles, your organs and your immune system are made up mostly of protein. Hair and nails are also mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. It builds, maintains, and replaces the tissues in your body. Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a "macronutrient," meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. Vitamins and minerals, which are needed in only small quantities, are called "micronutrients." But, unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein, and therefore has no reservoir to draw on when it needs a new supply. And, for that reason the importance of protein and it’s daily intake according to your body typing and metabolism is easily understood. About Amino AcidsWhen you eat foods that contain protein, the digestive juices in your stomach and intestine go to work. They break down the protein in food into basic units, called amino acids. The amino acids then can be used to make the proteins your body needs to maintain muscles, bones, blood, and body organs.There are 22 amino acids and your body can make 13 of them effortlessly. Your body can't make the other nine amino acids, but you can get them by eating protein-rich foods. They are called essential amino acids because it's essential that you get them from the foods you eat. Different Kinds of ProteinMany foods contain protein but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like black beans and lentils.Protein from animal sources, such as meat and milk, is called complete, because it contains all nine of the essential amino acids. Most vegetable protein is considered incomplete because it lacks one or more of the essential amino acids. You don't have to eat all the essential amino acids in every meal. As long as you have a variety of protein sources throughout the day, your body will grab what it needs from each meal. Vegetarians need to be aware of this. To get all the amino acids needed to make new protein—and thus to keep the body's systems in good shape—people who don't eat meat, fish, poultry, eggs, or dairy products should eat a variety of protein-containing foods each day. The importance of protein can be observed by what the lack of protein can cause - growth failure, loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, weakening of the heart and respiratory system, and death. Guidelines For Protein:- Get a good mix of proteins. Eating a variety of foods will ensure that you get all of the amino acids you need.- Eat high quality meats. The importance of protein, especially high quality meats, cannot be stressed enough. Many meat products can be contaminated with hormones, antibiotics and pesticide build up in animal feed. Keeping these contaminates out of your diet might be key to getting your metabolism to optimum performance. - Pay attention to the protein package. You rarely eat straight protein. Some protein comes packaged with healthful fiber and micronutrients, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains. Fish and poultry are the best choices for meat eaters; if you are partial to red meat, such as beef, pork or lamb, steer yourself toward the leanest cuts, and make it only an occasional part of your diet. - Balance carbohydrates and protein. Cutting back on highly processed carbohydrates (things that come in packaging) and increasing protein intake improves levels of blood triglycerides and HDL, and so may reduce your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other form of cardiovascular disease. It may also make you feel full longer, and stave off hunger pangs. - Eat soy in moderation. Soybeans, tofu, and other soy-based foods are an excellent alternative to red meat. But don't go overboard. Two to four servings a week is a good target.
Sources:
Harvard School of Public Health
WebMD Benefits of Protein
KidsHealth - Learning about Proteins
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