Protein is a building blocks of our body, we learned this in school. But how does this help our body to keep us in good health?
Today, 27th February is national protein day. Let’s understand more about protein.
Why are proteins important?
- Provides energy – Have you thought, why do most of the hardcore exercisers drink a protein shake, or why before starting exercise trainers ask to eat protein bar?
As it is a rich source of energy, an important nutrient, and used all over the body.
An amino acid contains proteins and when you are on fasting your body uses this amino acid to provide you energy.
- Maintains growth – Your body requires it for the growth and maintenance of the tissue.
Usually, your body breaks down the same amount of protein that is used while building and repairing tissue.
But when you are sick, your body breaks down more protein than actually forms. Hence the requirement for it increases during sickness.
- Works as storage and transport – While transporting throughout the body, it carries oxygen with it and provides it to all organs.
As well as it transports vitamins, minerals, blood sugar. They transport only one substance at a time.
It also has storage of nutrients, like Ferritin is the storage of protein that stores iron.
- Boosts immunity – Antibodies and immunoglobulins help us to protect from disease and protein helps in the formation of that.
Antibodies help us from the attack of bacteria and harmful viruses. Once your body produces antibodies against the specific virus, the next time your body comes into contact with the same virus they automatically start preparing antibodies and you get immunity against the virus.
- Fluid balance – To maintain fluid balance proteins helps in the regulation of body processes.
Albumin and globulin help to maintain body fluid by collecting retainer water. If you consume less protein than required albumin and globulin levels from the body decrease.
Due to the deficiency of albumin and globulin, your body fluid remains in the space between cells and causes swelling.
- Maintains PH – To maintain the concentration of acid and bases in blood and body fluids is the main function of the protein.
Constant PH is necessary for a healthy body.
- Acts as a messenger – Some proteins are hormones, which work as messengers between cells, tissue, and organs.
These hormones are secreted by endocrine glands and then transported to organs.
Hormones are divided into 3 types –
Protein and peptides – These are made up of a chain of amino acids.
Amines – That are made up of individual amino acids, which create hormones related to sleep and metabolism.
Steroids – They are made up of fat cholesterol. Testosterone, estrogen are a few examples of it.
Conclusion
- Protein is important in every part of the body, hence don’t ignore its consumption.
- You can get it by egg, soybean, milk and milk products, vegetables, and fruits.
- If you are doing a heavy workout you need to concentrate more on protein intake, but that too after consulting your nutritionist or physician.