Protein is important. Our bodies need it every day as it can’t be stored. The Protein our bodies consume is unusable and so it modifies it: taking the minuscule building blocks apart and putting them back together in a myriad of ways. You probably heard of Amino Acids in high school science being the building blocks of the body? Well, they are!
So, what does protein do in the human body? If I consume too much and it’s stored as fat, shouldn’t I just cut right back on it? No! You must eat the recommended amount for you to keep your body healthy and functioning. People who don’t eat enough Protein on a regular basis are at risk of malnutrition and developing Kwashiorkor. Understandably, this impedes growth and body repair, weakens muscles and increases the risk of succumbing to diseases. A healthy body can overcome simple diseases but a body suffering from Kwashiorkor is often unable to do so.
According to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones.
Protein helps you to feel full. Often, we’ll reach for something quick and easy mid-morning like fruit or a cookie when those hunger pangs start. Drink a glass of water first and then have some protein, like a boiled egg. It doesn’t sound or look as appetizing as a cream-filled donut, but it will satisfy the hunger and not add inches to your waist! Besides, half an hour after consuming the donut or the cookie, you will probably be hungry again! So if you are serious about losing that fat, choose a boiled egg this time!
Protein is used by the body to repair and build new tissue. It builds bone, blood, muscles, skin and cartilage. Hair and nails are made of protein. So, eating protein helps the body to repair itself, grow and regenerate. Remember that your heart is a muscle!
Protein is also used by the body to create important enzymes and hormones to keep your body functioning. So, eating protein is absolutely essential for basic body functions. What do I mean by basic body functions? Think: oxygen transportation to the cells, regulation of the metabolism, helping the immune system, clotting blood when we cut ourselves, digestion and the list goes on.
How do you know if the food on your plate contains enough good quality Protein?
Aren’t all Protein equal? Short answer is No!
Animal sources of Protein are the most effective because they contain all the vital pieces the human body needs. Vegetable sources are less effective because they tend to be missing one or another of the amino acids.
Vegans and Vegetarians need to be conscious of this and ensure that their Protein foods are varied. By doing this, a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet should include all the essential amino acids.
There are arguments for and against eating meat but that won’t be debated here. You need to be comfortable with your choice and eat sufficient Protein so that you can live a healthy long life.
By now you should have realised how important protein is in maintaining your health! For more information check out the Protein Counter (Amazon)