Protein Nutrients Essential For Life

Balance Protein Nutrients

Protein nutrients are of great nutritional value directly involved in biological chemical processes in the body. Proteins are considered highly complex substances present in all living things benefiting the body repairing and rebuilding body tissue driving metabolic reactions, maintaining pH and fluid balance while keeping the immune system strong.  The importance of protein is recognized by chemists in the early century including the Swedish chemist Jons Jackob Berzelius who in 1838 coined the term protein.  There are about 20 different amino acids that occur naturally in proteins in the diet known as micronutrients that contribute calories to the body converting into energy.  Proteins that do not have 20 amino acids are considered incomplete proteins including nuts, seeds, lentils, brown rice, whole wheat, vegetables, legumes, peas. beans and lentils. Not all protein sources are alike and must be obtained from food eating a balanced diet plan that includes a wide variety of protein nutrients. 

After water protein is the most abundant substance in the body affecting muscles, organs, immune system function. Once protein is digested it is broken down into amino acids to help the body grow, maintain, and replace tissue in the body.  According to UCLA Health signs of protein deficiency may lead to brittle nails, feeling weak or hungry, since protein supplies energy satisfying our appetite.  Getting sick often without protein to boost the immune system are signs of protein deficiencies.  Mood changes or trouble thinking is due to fluctuating blood sugar and proteins' effect on the brain ‘s neurotransmitters which regulate mood.  Since amino acids are essential building blocks for building muscle protein deficiencies may lead to muscle weakness.  When bone tissue does not have the protein it needs, stress fractures may occur.  Eating a healthy balanced diet typically provides the body with all the amino acids the body needs but that means eating protein with each meal and snacks. 

Most complete proteins come from beef, pork, poultry, eggs, dairy but some plant based proteins are also complete including soy, Quinoa, hempseed, buckwheat.  Experts recommend daily intake of 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight 0.8 grams per kg. That's 43 grams per day for someone weighing 120 pounds or 54 grams daily if you weigh 150 pounds and 72 grams if you weigh 200 pounds. Online protein calculators help estimate the daily amount of dietary protein adults require to maintain health.  Protein needs vary depending on activity level, age, and overall health.  The calculator is helpful in monitoring  protein intake for those who are experiencing kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and other health conditions in which protein intake is a factor.  Proteins are one of those primary macronutrients that provide energy to the human body along with carbohydrates and fats.  Protein nutrients are largely responsible for a large portion of the cells necessary for proper structure of organs and tissue function synthesized in the body. 

Avoid protein mistakes eating a well balanced diet packed full of satisfying protein nutrients with essential amino acids directly involved in chemical processes essential for life.  

Cheers!

Patricia Lynn

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