We often see and hear protein. But do you ever wonder what this is, and what it does to the overall health? If yes, then this article is the best for you. Well, generally, proteins are a cluster of biological compounds that are present in every cells, tissues, and organ of the body. It is very important for overall health. As a matter of fact, there are lots of health benefits of proteins, including the smooth functioning and production of hormones and enzymes. It is also beneficial for the facilitation of molecular transportation, regeneration, and cell repair. There is more to this nutrient than meets the eye. Better, read this article and get to learn more about this amazing mineral!
Proteins…
As stated earlier, proteins are a cluster of biological compounds, which are present in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Furthermore, protein is there in enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and many other forms.
Furthermore, protein in Greek means ‘of prime importance’ or ‘first’. It is a participant in all of the cellular processes, which occur in the body. Moreover, they are also responsible for the protection, repair, regulation, and formation of each organisms’ body. They actually help in executing a wide-range of functions inside the living beings, including the enzymes’ catalysis, coordination within cells, replication of the DNA communication, as well as the molecular transportation form a location to another.
Types of Protein
Proteins can be classified into three major groups:
- Fibrous proteins: The fibrous proteins are actually a kind of structured proteins that are mainly present in the bones, ligaments, and muscles. For instance, the keratin that is present in the hair or nails.
- Membrane proteins: The membrane proteins may work in the cell membrane and may perform the functions like membrane signaling and transport.
- Globular proteins: The globular proteins may work in a water environment like an enzyme and antibody.
Amino Acids
The proteins are consist of several chains of amino acids and are actually considered as building blocks of life. The breaking down of protein or digestion may produce a wide-range of amino acids that are used by the body for the overall growth, food breakdown and tissue repair.
Types of Amino Acids
The amino acids can be divided into three major groups:
- Conditional Amino Acids: These amino acids are vital only during sickness or stress.
- Nonessential Amino Acids: These are formed by out body –from either the essential amino acids or the protein breakdown.
- Essential Amino Acids: These can’t be synthesized by the body and should be acquired through food.
Nutritional Profile of Proteins
The number of amino acids that are present in the proteins actually determine the nutritional value of it. This may vary from a certain food to another. For example, the animal proteins and soy products have all the essential amino acids, however, the plant proteins that are usually lacking in few amino acids. Moreover, it is recommendable for the people who follow strictly vegan or vegetarian diet to combine and include some foods with a wide range of amino acids in fulfilling their own daily requirement.
Health Benefits of Proteins
Here are some of the most surprising health benefits of proteins:
- Aids in absorption and digestion of proteins. The digestion of proteins is important for amino acid absorption. This process of digestion keeps on going and finishes in the small intestine together with the absorption of amino acids, which takes place in the bloodstream.
- Helps in improving cell & tissue regeneration. The restoration and renewal of the tissues and cells are very important for healthy body maintenance. The cells that are present in the digestive system, blood, and skin don’t last long, thus regeneration is very important.
- Helps in providing energy. The proteins are essential in giving the body energy. since the body doesn’t store extra proteins, enzymes, as well as muscle proteins break down in order to produce amino acids, which may help provide energy.
- Helps in improving the nervous system. The smooth functioning of the nervous system is one of the most important health benefits of proteins. The proteins aid in assisting on the transmission of the nerve signals in the cells, as well as regulation of the central nervous system.
- Helps in making the immune system stronger. The proteins are essential in building a stronger immunity. The body actually runs a mechanism of self-defense as well as protects itself against various diseases and infections via the help of antibodies. These antibodies are essential in detecting foreign elements or antigens.
- Helps in improving muscular Proteins are essential in muscle coordination and contraction. They are mainly present in the tissues of muscle in microfilament form. It also provides the muscle structure.
Sources of Proteins
Good source of proteins isn’t hard to find for both the non-vegetarians and vegetarians.
Vegetarians may choose from:
- Split peas
- Garbanzo beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Legumes
- Dairy products
- Tofu
- Seeds
- Nuts
Meat eaters may choose from:
- Fish
- Cooked lean meat
- Turkey
- Eggs
