What Is Protein? How Much You Need, Benefit and its Sources

There are certain things that our body cannot do without, We all need oxygen, water and food to survive. The food we eat supplies us with carbohydrates, proteins and fats. But, do you actually know that out of these three micro nutrients, it is protein that our body needs the most? Our body just cannot function without it.

Of course all the three is required in a balanced equation for the human body to function optimally, but without protein, our all-important internal functionality will completely shut down.

So, what are proteins?

Proteins are macro nutrients that are made up of chains of amino acids – simple organic compounds. These are present in the foods that we eat regularly. During the digestion process these are decomposed to singular amino acids, then absorbed into our blood stream and reached out to various parts of our body and used for numerous purposes.

There are certain amino acids that our body also produces and some that it cannot and hence need external supply. These are also called as essential amino acids as they have to be gathered from the food that we eat.

Do you actually now that the complex biological mechanism that increases our muscle mass is only possible with amino acids. These micro nutrients are the only thing that the human body can use to grow and repair muscles and tissues. And the only source that our body can get its supply of it from proteins.

What do protein do in our body?

Famous dietician in Faridabad shares that proteins are vital for various by functions like – health of our organs, regulation of hormones, immunity functions, endurance and stamina and alike. Proteins help carrying important nutrients out and in to our cells, thereby, helping their absorption, keeping us full and satisfied and thus healthy. One common mistake most of us make is by believing that protein is only needed to build muscles, but the truth is that we need proteins to stay healthy.

We by now, know that proteins does many a healthy things for our body along with optimal brain functionality, cell generation and good skin and hair growth, but the most important role that it plays is that it is the basic building block of our muscles.

Proteins along with fat and carbs are the three macro nutrients that we need to function. Our body stores fats and carbs for emergency uses, but proteins have no reserves and hence it is essential that we intake proteins in sufficient quantity daily.

How much of protein is required every day?

Eating a balanced diet can ensure a proper supply of protein to our body, but those who are vegetarians, vegan or elderly, can be always be at risk of insufficient protein supply. Weight loss, decreased muscle strength, feeling tired and poor immunity are some of the initial symptoms of protein deficiency.

How much of protein is needed by a human body depends on factors like – age, weight, gender, the level of physical activity involved into and as such. People who are involved in ore of physical activities, young adults, children, pregnant women, people recovering from trauma or accidents need more of it than normal beings.

As per dietary guidelines – women aged between 19 to 70 needs 45 to 50 gms of proteins a day, while men between the same age group needs between 55 to 560 gms of proteins in a day.

Some of the best sources of proteins:

Nuts

Beans

Eggs

Chicken

Fish

Lamb

Whey Protein

Greek Yoghurt

Tofu

Soy

Peanut Butter

Milk

Nuts

Edamame

Sheela Seharawat of Diet Clinic says that rather than asking ‘what does protein do?’ it should be asked ‘what doesn’t protein do’? There are many types of proteins and all have equal and vital role to play in the optimal functionality of our bodies and overall wellbeing.