Protein is a nutrient that’s found in food along with carbohydrates and fat. These are all essential for the human body, because they’re responsible for forming, developing, and renewing all of your organs and bodily systems.
In this article, you’ll learn about delicious recipes rich in protein.
What is protein made of? Protein contains carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, along with minerals (sulfur, phosphorus, and iron).
When ingested, protein is divided into its structural units known as amino acids, which your system absorbs during digestion.
Types of amino acids
Overall, there are 20 different types of amino acids, which bind together to form proteins. Nine of them are obtained from food alone. However, the rest can be produced by your body without the need to consume them.
Essential: these are found in food. Among them are: histidine, leucine, methionine, and valine.
Not essential: you can obtain these from the essential amino acids. They include: alanine, arcinine, glycine, and proline.
Why are proteins good?
Proteins help repair the tissues that make up your skin, muscles, organs, nails, hair, and bones. They:
Generate antibodies in your immune system that prevent infections and diseases.
Improve digestion.
Help distribute oxygen throughout your bloodstream.
Are you read to start getting the protein that you need?
Wu, G. (2016, March 1). Dietary protein intake and human health. Food and Function. Royal Society of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/c5fo01530h
Lonnie M, Hooker E, Brunstrom JM, et al. Protein for Life: Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults. Nutrients. 2018;10(3):360. Published 2018 Mar 16. doi:10.3390/nu10030360
Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., … Mattes, R. D. (2015, June 1). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. American Society for Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038
Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Nieuwenhuizen, A., Tomé, D., Soenen, S., & Westerterp, K. R. (2009). Dietary Protein, Weight Loss, and Weight Maintenance. Annual Review of Nutrition, 29(1), 21–41. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-080508-141056
Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Lemmens, S. G., & Westerterp, K. R. (2012). Dietary protein – Its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(SUPPL. 2). https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512002589
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