One of the best friends a body has is protein. In fact it, it makes up a large percentage of the total body. All that makes you — skin, hair, eyes, nails and muscles are proteins. Most of all that makes you 'go' - blood, lymph, heart, lungs, tendons, ligaments. Brains and nerves are all proteins. You are largely what protein has made you. You will probably become the result of the protein you enjoy in your food every day.
Protein, next to water, is the most plentiful substance in the body. The protein that makes up this large percent is not there as fixed, unchanging substance, like building blocks deposited for a lifetime of use. They are in a constant state of exchange within the body tissues. Some protein molecules are always breaking down and others are being built as replacements.
Protein, in addition to building tissue and muscle, regulates body processes and can also supply energy when needed. If other sources of energy are available, protein will be used to carry out its own functions of building and repairing tissue and regulate bodily functions. If other emergency functions sources are not available protein will be used for energy, thus depriving the muscles and other tissues of necessary energy.
A day's supply of food must necessarily include not only adequate protein, but also a balance of the other energy foods, the fats and carbohydrates. Another equally important function of protein is it's use for growth ; however maintenance of bodily functions is the most important in needs. If not enough protein is supplied by diet for growth and maintenance, growth is retarded.
Proteins are made up of more simple substances called amino acids. There are 18 amino acids used in different combinations in our common food. These amino acids are linked together in the protein molecule. Interestingly, in the body all food proteins are broken into amino acids, which are then rebuilt into specific body proteins. All of these amino acids are essential to life and health but 8 must be completely formed in the food and ready for use.
Animal proteins, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs and legumes and pulses contain all of the essential amino acids. Essentially what this understanding of protein and amino acids means is that balance is of great importance in each day's food supply. We need not be concerned about the proportions of different amino acids, when the supply of protein is generous aided by a balance of ordinary food.
Sources : Wikipedia, attribution ( Bardwell and Wilcox), Food and Nutrition from the Dept of Utah State University, Unsplash.
