An Introduction to Protein

Protein is a very important macronutrient that supports the maintenance, growth and repair of your body's cells. It also has various other function which include the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. In this article I am going to be looking at protein in greater detail and providing you with an introduction to this vital macronutrient.

HOW ARE PROTEINS MADE?
Proteins are constructed from long chains of amino acids which are chemical compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. There are 22 amino acids in total and these can be grouped into essential (of which there are eight) and non-essential (of which there are 14). Your body needs all 22 but it cannot produce essential amino acids. Therefore, it is essential for you to make these part of your diet.

HOW MANY DIFFERENT PROTEINS ARE THERE?
There are potentially infinite numbers of proteins. They can be built from a chain of just two amino acids or a chain of thousands and thousands. The longest known protein is titin which is made from a chain of 26,962 amino acids.

COMPLETE VS INCOMPLETE PROTEINS
Proteins can be placed into two main groups; complete and incomplete. Complete proteins contain all eight essential amino acids whilst incomplete proteins do not. Although incomplete proteins do not contain all the amino acids, two or more of them can be combined to create a complete protein source. All animal proteins (except gelatin) and certain vegetable proteins (including almonds, bananas and carrots) are complete. However, the majority of vegetable proteins are incomplete.

HOW ARE PROTEINS USED?
The main role of protein is to build, maintain and repair the cells of your body. In fact it is often referred to as your body's building blocks. Your body is constantly in the process of breaking down old proteins and creating new ones. These new proteins are then used as the basis of your muscles, organs, tissues and more. Apart from being used as building blocks protein has various other functions. It helps your body produce important chemicals, regulates certain bodily processes and more.

PROTEIN SUMMARY
I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about protein. Although there are countless types of protein out there they are all very important building blocks for your body. Therefore, it is highly important that you get enough of this macronutrient as part of your diet.