Fact About Protein

Protein is important for many body functions and unfortunately it is probably, the most misunderstood nutrient. In this section, a few facts about protein are discussed to enhance the understanding of this essential body nutrient.

Protein Makes Up Your Body's Structure
Protein is contained in every part of the body, the skin, muscles, hair, blood, body organs, eyes, fingernails and bones. Protein is used in the body to build, maintain and repair body tissues.

Proteins Are Made Up of Amino Acids
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Humans need about 22 amino acids in order to live, but our bodies can make most of them on their own. Eight of the 22 must be obtained by eating foods that contain them and these are called essential amino acids

Next to Water, Protein is the Most Plentiful Substance in Your Body
Approximately 75 percent of body muscle is made of water, 20 percent of body muscle is protein and the remaining 5 percent of the body muscle is carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Body Needs to Manufacture Thousands of Proteins Every Day
Most of the body's proteins are frequently broken down and absorbed in order to rebuild and repair tissues. The body needs to manufacture thousands of proteins every day to replace them. Protein cannot be stored for later use, like fat or carbohydrates can, so the body needs daily replenishments.

Protein Digestion Releases Nitrogen Waste
Excessive protein is converted to energy for immediate use. This conversion requires to body to strip the amino acids of their nitrogen atoms, creating nitrogen waste. This nitrogen waste is collected at the kidneys as a toxic "urea," and must be filtered out. For individuals with reduced kidney function, the amount of nitrogen waste produced from can actually harm their kidneys.

Inadequate Protein Intake Damages the Body
Inadequate protein in the body either allows cells die or breaks down other muscles and tissues to get the protein it needs for repair and rebuilding of tissues.

Protein Helps Burn Fat
The body cannot digest and use all the protein that is obtained through food. This is because the body requires all 8 essential amino acids to be present in the body for protein synthesis to take place. Since protein cannot be stored in the body, absence of the amino acids results in excessive protein being converted to energy for immediate use. Protein energy will be used only after other energy sources (carbohydrates & fats) are exhausted.

Protein Helps Build Muscle

Sportspersons and individuals interested in bodybuilding have increased muscle breakdown and body wear. Hence, they need more protein to rebuild their bodies and prevent injury.

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Fact About Protein