::
You are here - Weight
Loss >> Weight
Loss Articles
>>
Proteins And Your Health
Really
little is scientifically know about proteins and your health. This will
endeavor to bring you up to date with this little knowledge; the basics
of what you need to know about proteins.
Proteins make up 15% of your mass. Most of your body is constructed
from protein molecules e.g. muscles, cartilage, ligaments, skin and
hair are mainly protein. Haemoglobin, hormones, antibodies, enzymes are
all proteins.
Without water, 75% of your weight is protein. Your body is made up of
at least 10,000 different kinds of proteins. All proteins are made up
of 22 basic building blocks of proteins called amino acids. What makes
the thousands of different types of protein is that each type of
protein in the body has a different sequence and structure of the 22
amino acids. This different sequences and structures assist in
performing different yet specific functions in the body.
Proteins
and its Function
Proteins
serve two main purposes in the body
1)
Structural e.g. keratin in hair, collagen in muscles etc.
2)
Functional e.g. enzymes, hormones etc.
Proteins are macro molecules ie large molecules and polymers i.e. long
chain of amino acids. Infact every function of the living cell depends
on proteins as follows
A)
Motion- Depends on contractile proteins e.g muscles.
B)
Most biochemical reactions depend on organic catalysts i.e. enzymes
e.g. amylase.
C)
Structure of the cell has proteins e.g. in cell membrane.
D)
Transport of body constituents depend on protein e.g. oxygen, and
carbon dioxide transport by haemoglobin.
The body does not store amino acids like carbohydrates and fats;
therefore it requires a new supply of amino acids everyday to make new
body proteins. And since your body cells are dying everyday, they need
to be replenished everyday.
If the body doesnot get all the amino acids to build body proteins, it
digests itself to provide that missing amino acid.
When we eat protein foods, the polypeptide chain are generally broken
in the digestive tract individual amino acids are absorbed in the blood
stream. The body then recombines these amino acids into proteins
necessary in your body for structural and other function.
Dietary sources of protein include:- chicken, fish, tuna fish, beef
steak, cottage cheese, split peas, milk, kidney beans. Lack of proteins
can have severe consequences. It results in growth failure, loss of
muscle mass, decreased immunity, weakening of the heart and the
respiratory system and if prolonged, death.
The digestion of protein releases acids in the body that are
neutralized with calcium and other buffering agents in the blood.
Generally, eating a lot of protein doesnot harm the heart and it seems
to keep it healthier. But it requires lots of calcium. If no enough
calcium is present in the diet then it is pulled from the bones. So
long term high protein diet could weaken bones.
Protein in cow milk may also play part in developing Type 1 Diabetes.
That is why cow milk is not recommended for infants. But later in life
this milk protein doesnot seem to effect Type 2 Diabetes.
Complete
Proteins:
Some
proteins we eat have all the essential amino acids we require from our
diet. These are called complete proteins. Generally, animal proteins
tend to be complete. Fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts contain
incomplete proteins that is, they lack in at least one of the essential
amino acids.
Your body requires all this essential amino acids. Otherwise it will
break down body tissue, to get the missing amino acids. To avoid this
vegetarians require eating plant proteins from a number of different
sources. It is also advisable to supplement with a complete protein
supplement.
On the other hand, complete proteins sources mostly found in animal
proteins come with other undesirables e.g. fat. To avoid this, eat beef
from the leanest cuts. Fish and poultry are good alternative.
Little is really known about proteins and health scientifically. It has
not been researched thoroughly as fats and vitamins. But it is catching
up. Basically it is known every adult needs a minimum of one gram of
protein per every kilogramme of body weight per day to keep from slowly
breaking down their own tissue. Athletes require more. In weight loss
its excessive use in cutting calories is rarely considered prudent.
More Bookmark Buttons Below. . .
|
©
Health-eMark.com
|
|
Disclaimer
:
This
content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new information on weight loss becomes
available. The information is intended for
educational purposes only. Please
consult your healthcare provider before beginning
any kind of weight loss program
|
|
