what is an essential nutrient?
Are proteins important in our diet? Are we taking enough proteins to stay fit and healthy? These are the basic questions that arise in the mind of people who are very keen to stay healthy.
One can say that proteins are very essential in our daily intake of foods as it plays an important role in the growth of our body. One cannot survive without any of the 9 amino acids and protein is the very essential one as it takes part in almost every function of the cell.
It is said that proteins are the building block of one’s life and thus it is very essential in our daily diet. The requirement of protein depends on the person’s health and his activities.
Proteins are the protein that comes under the category of macronutrients which means they had to be taken in large quantities. Unlike Fats and Carbohydrates, proteins are not reserved in our body for any future use. Foods like Avocado, kiwi, spinach, soybean, etc are very rich in proteins and are usually added to diets.
Benefits of Protein
Proteins are very important because they are used as building blocks for skin, muscle, blood, bones, and cartilage.
• Proteins are also used for many chemical reactions to take place in our body including enzymes and hormones.
• Our hair and nails are to made up of protein
• It also helps in the repair and growth of tissues.
• It helps in lowering the blood pressure.
• Helps in maintaining weight loss.
Importance of Proteins
• They are important for the transmission of information between cells, organs, and tissues.
• It is important for body strength and elasticity.
• Proteins maintenance the pH value of blood and other fluids of our body.
• Proteins are important as they safeguard our body from any disease.
• Transportation of nutrients to the entire body occurs with the help of protein.
• Some proteins work as a storage place for other nutrients.
Types of proteins
The three types of proteins that are essential for the maintenance and structure of our bodies are:-
• Fibrous proteins,
• Globular proteins,
• Membrane proteins.
Fibrous proteins
The proteins that provide protection and strength to all the tissues and cells are classified as fibrous tissues. These proteins are water-insoluble. These proteins are quite strong and thus are the components of teeth, bones, and skin. These proteins also contain a-keratin which is a major component in hair and nails.
Globular proteins
These proteins mainly focus on metabolic functions which include insulin, hemoglobin, and other enzymes present in the body. They are water-soluble proteins. Antibodies that prevent any invasion of disease as a foreign substance are also a part of globular proteins.
Membrane proteins
These proteins perform a variety of different functions that are very important for the purposes of survival. These proteins transmit information from cell to cell and move molecules across the body. These proteins allow cells to acknowledge each other and can interact.
Conclusion
Proteins are an important source for the body. Less consumption of protein would cause soreness, weakness, and muscle cramps. It will also reduce the muscle strength and proper functioning of the body. In the case of consumption of excess protein, a condition of amyloidosis would occur where the extra protein has stored in any organ affecting the functioning of that organ. Thus it is very important to consume these proteins as per your body requirement.
