What are proteins and why proteins are important for your health

Proteins are organic substances made of amino acids made by your body or taken from food. Proteins enter in the constitution of cells, tissues (bone, muscles), enzymes, antibodies, organs and some hormones. In some cases proteins can also be uses as a source of energy. The burning of 1 gram of proteins releases the equivalent of 4 calories.

The Wikipedia definition of proteins is: “Proteins (also known as polypeptides) are organic compounds made of amino acids arranged in a linear chain polymer and joined together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of adjacent amino acid residues. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is defined by the sequence of a gene, which is encoded in the genetic code. In general, the genetic code specifies 20 standard amino acids, however in certain organisms the genetic code can include selenocysteine – and in certain archaea – pyrrolysine.”

Proteins can be found in vegetables or meat. So you can eat a combination of vegetables and meats to get proteins into your body. You can take your daily portion of proteins by eating: some vegetables, whole grain cereals, soy, peanuts, almonds, nuts, pastas, beans, meat, cheese, eggs, milk, fish…

Some of the amino acids that make up proteins that are taken from food are essential for the health of your body. Your organism cannot synthesize these amino acids. There are also nonessential amino acids that your body can synthesize all on its own, because your body can make them form other substances. The lack of some amino acids from your body can hinder the assimilation of other amino acids and vital substances. That is why you must eat frequently vegetal and meat proteins.

Proteins play an essential role in the growth and healing of your body. The daily recommended portion of proteins for a healthy body varies from person to person. Children should eat 2 ounces of proteins daily (60 grams). Teenagers should consume 3 ounces of proteins daily (90 grams). An adult should eat daily 1 gram of proteins for every 2 pounds(1 kilogram) it has.

The absence of proteins from the body leads to growth and nutrition problems. Some of the physical problems you can have because of a lack of proteins in your body are anemia, the lowering of the capacity of your body to sustain mental and physical effort, osteoporosis, frail nails, going bald, a low resistance to infections.

Too many proteins aren’t good either. If your body receives too many proteins daily you will get over time: gout, the overwork of your liver and kidneys leading to their failure, putrefied stools.