Role Of Protein In Our Body

By Author: Ritebite
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Daily consumption of protein can be extremely beneficial to your health. The word protein comes from the Greek word ‘proteos’, which means, “primary” or “first place.” Hence, it is clearly signifying that it is essential for our body to function. The recommended daily protein requirement is 0.8 gm per kilogram of body weight. The US Department of Agriculture recommends that your plate be made up of ¼ of your plate at every meal. It is one of the major macronutrients that make up your diet, fats and carbohydrates are the other types of macronutrients.

There are many products that are designed for us to get our daily protein fix. Things like a protein bar, granola, nutrition bars, and even diets that are customized to up your protein intake, like the Paleo and Atkin diet.

Protein is one of the building blocks of the body and is found in every cell of the human body.
Protein is made up of amino acids, which are connected to each other in long chains. The sequence of the amino acids determines the role of that protein. Protein plays a role ...
... in many different bodily functions, such as:

Transporting molecules throughout the body: Protein carries and transports essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, blood sugar, cholesterol and oxygen. It transfers substances in and out of cells, and within cells.

Protecting the body from viruses and bacteria: Protein helps in bolstering immune health, it protects the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Protein consists of antibodies which help fight infections and other foreign particles. Without these antibodies, your body would not be able to fight diseases.

Repairs cells: Your body needs protein for growth and maintenance of tissues. People recovering from an injury, surgery, older people and athletes require more protein than others.

Helps in forming new cells: Protein is necessary for your body to form new cells; hence it is good for growing children to consume protein.

Promotes growth and development in children and pregnant women

May promote weight loss: Protein has qualities that increase the rate of metabolism, and that in turn may promote weight loss. Protein-rich foods, like sugar free protein bars, granola and cereals, make you feel fuller and give a feeling of satiety. As a result, you end up consuming less calories.

Acts as a chemical messenger: Some proteins also act as hormones, and hence aid in the process of transferring messages to various parts of the body. The help in communication between your cells, tissues, and organs. Protein and polypeptides make up the majority of your body's hormones.

Proper pH maintenance: Protein aids your body in regulating the concentration of acids and bases in your bodily fluids and blood. Protein essentially acts as a buffer system, to maintain pH levels.

Provides energy: One of proteins main functions is giving your body the energy it needs. Protein contains about four calories per gram and gives almost the same amount of energy that carbs provide.