All About Protein

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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.
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