All About Protein

Protein's are a class of nutrients composed of amino acids, smaller molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms.  These atoms mix up in different patterns to make different amino acids.  Some of them are essential because they can not be made by the body and must be taken in through diet. The rest of them can be made by the liver if all the necessary chemical components are available.

Protein's have a variety of very important functions within the body.  First and foremost, they are responsible for growth and maintenance of all body cells and structures, like bone, muscle, blood cells, skin and hair. They are also the primary component of enzymes, proteins which help facilitate many of the chemical reactions within the body, including digestion. Proteins are also integral in the production of hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones, estrogen and testosterone.

When we eat proteins in our diet, the stomach secretes digestive acids that begin the process of breaking down the chemical structure.  Digestion continues in the small intestine where, in fact, a majority of protein breakdown takes place. Eventually the proteins are reverted back to their basic amino acid structure so they can be absorbed
through the intestine and into the bloodstream. From there, they go to the liver where amino acid use is regulated. Sometimes they are used to synthesize important proteins in the liver, sometimes they are sent
elsewhere to be used.

Protein in our diet can come from two different sources: plant based (such as soy, nuts and beans), or animal based (such as meat, dairy and eggs). With the exception of soy, only animal based proteins contain
all of the essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. Plant-based proteins also contain all of the essential amino acids, however some of them may be in insufficient amounts to meet our dietary requirements.  If you do not eat animal-based products, you can combine different types of plant proteins to ensure that you get all the amino acids that you need.