In our society, the concept of protein is treated as an invaluable subject among people. While in many surveys, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of population in country is protein deficient. Now, point is that why protein is so much important for us and by which substance proteins are made up of?
Protein Definition
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Protein is a macro molecule or macro nutrient, that helps in growth, development, maintenance and repairing of body cells.
Significantly, it is known as a body building unit of our body. We can say it as a smallest unit of life. Although, it can be resembled like a single brick of a mansion. Here, protein is a brick and the mansion represents our body.
Therefore, protein is a building block of the human body. It is constituent of all living cells like muscles, bones, cartilage, skin and any other body parts or fluid.
Protein Classification or Protein Types
There are 3 types of proteins:
- Globular
- Fibrous
- Membrane
Proteins Are Made up of
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Proteins are made up of a chain of amino acids. 20 types of amino acids help in making proteins. Out of which, 11 are non-essential and 9 are essential.
Proteins are vital to any living organism. They are the important component of muscle and other tissues. Protein provides essential amino acids and which are important for body metabolism, growth and development of the body. Protein is required for people from all aspects of lifestyle and life stages. Our body constantly uses up protein and does not store it. Therefore, it needs to be replenished every day.
Below the most common 20 amino acids in proteins are listed with their three-letter and one-letter codes:
Charged (side chains often form salt bridges):
- Arginine – Arg – R
- Lysine – Lys – K
- Aspartic acid – Asp – D
- Glutamic acid – Glu – E
Polar (form hydrogen bonds as proton donors or acceptors):
- Glutamine – Gln – Q
- Asparagine – Asn – N
- Histidine – His – H
- Serine – Ser – S
- Threonine – Thr – T
- Tyrosine – Tyr – Y
- Cysteine – Cys – C
Amphipathic (often found at the surface of proteins or lipid membranes, sometimes also classified as polar):
- Tryptophan – Trp – W
- Tyrosine – Tyr – Y
- Methionine – Met – M
Hydrophobic (normally buried inside the protein core):
- Alanine – Ala – A
- Isoleucine – Ile – I
- Leucine – Leu – L
- Methionine – Met – M
- Phenylalanine – Phe – F
- Valine – Val – V
- Proline – Pro – P
- Glycine – Gly – G
Protein Structure and Formation
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In our body, everything is made up of protein. Body cells, tissues, enzymes, hormones, secretion and even saliva is made up of protein molecules.
There are 20 different types of amino acids in our body.
Out of these 20 amino acids, 11 are non-essential amino acids means that these 11 can be synthesized in our body and we need not to take them from outside i.e. food and remaining 9 amino acids are known as essential amino acids because they can’t be synthesized in our body and we have to take them from outside i.e. food, for keeping ourself healthy.
Protein Function and Need
Different types of protein molecules are formed as per different combination of these 20 amino acids. Particular combination signifies such special function of protein in our body. As we know that enzymes, hormones etc. are a type of protein. So, these proteins are made up of different combination of amino acids for performing specific function of our body part.
An organism uses protein to build, repair, grow and maintain body cells and tissues. It helps to sustain healthy and strong body.
It provides essential amino acids required for healthy metabolism, growth and development.
Our body constantly consumes protein but does not store excess protein. Hence, daily intake of protein is necessary to ensure that our body gets the recommended amount of protein it needs.
- Protein helps in maintaining body temperature.
- Promotes body growth and maintenance.
- It supports body fluid balance.
- Helps in maintaining cholesterol level.
- It supports skin and hair health.
- Supports joint health.
- Helps in weight management.
- It acts as a messenger, hormones.
As per ICMR and WHO, a healthy adult needs approx. 1 gm protein/ kg of body weight every day. So, an adult of 60 kg would need approx. 60 gm of protein every day. Due to hectic lifestyle and poor eating habits, many of us may be lacking the required protein in our everyday diet.
As per ICMR, for 1 kg body weight, 1 gm of protein is essential.
For 50 kg body weight 50 gm of protein is required daily.
For children 1.5 gm protein per kg weight and for pregnant women, 1.75 gm protein per kg weight is required daily.
Protein Deficiency Disease
- Kwashiorkor
- Marasmus
- Impaired mental health
- Wasting and shrinkage of muscle tissues
- Weak immune system
- Hair fall
- Skin problems
- Oedema
- Fatal death
Protein Sources or Protein Food List
We can get protein from food items like milk, eggs, cottage cheese (paneer), curd, pulses, fish, dried fruits, meat and poultry.
Protein in Chana
19 gm protein per 100 gm of black chickpea
Protein Content in Egg
13 gm protein per 100 gm of boiled egg
Protein Content in Milk
3.4 gm protein per 100 gm of milk (1% fat)
Protein in Paneer
14 gm protein per 100 gm of paneer
Protein in Banana
1.1 gm protein per 100 gm of bananas
Protein in Moong Dal
24 gm protein per 100 gm of moong beans
Protein Content in Chicken
27 gm protein per 100 gm of chicken
Protein Supplement
NUTRILITE All Plant Protein Powder Supplement, is a tri-blend of Soy protein, Wheat protein & Yellow Pea protein. It gives the tri-benefits of 80% protein that is 100% plant sourced. Also, this branded protein provides all 9 essential amino acids and is lactose free & easy to digest.
Along with regular diet, Nutrilite all plant protein powder can help in filling the gap of protein in everyday diet.
Nutrilite protein provides all of the 9 essential amino acids. The formulation offers the added benefits of naturally occurring soy isoflavones, calcium and iron. Every day, many new cells are being produced and old cells are destroyed in the body. All cells are made of proteins. The body requires 22 different amino acids, out of which 9 are essential amino acids.
Prevention is better than cure. So be alert and be aware of the importance of protein for enjoying a healthy life.
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We are concluding with the hope that you would be firm about the concept of protein and respectively health in your life. Above, you might have understood the basic definition of protein and the ways in which you can maintain and sustain your good health for a better lifestyle.
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