Most of us are ignorant about how our body works. We do not know the importance of nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates etc.

Lets first know what our body is made up of.

Our body is made up of cells.

Each cell is made up of;

• Water – 60%
• Organic Molecules – i.e. carbohydrate (5%), lipids (Fat) (17%) , protein (17%) and nucleic acid (DNA & RNA)
• Inorganic ions – 1% e sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, chloride, and bicarbonate

The single cells, many of which are specialised so that they can perform a particular function, are grouped together to form tissues. These tissues in turn form special groups called organs. The groups of organs make up a system, and the systems join together to form a living body.

Water + Organic Molecules + Inorganic Ions = Cell (Like white blood cell, red blood cell etc.)

Many Cells = Tissue (Like muscle tissues, connective tissues, nervous tissues etc.)

Many Tissues = Organ (Like lungs, heart, intestine etc.)

Many Organs = System (Like respiratory system, cardiovascular system etc.)

Many Systems = Body (Like human, cat, dog, monkey etc.)

The protein is the most important nutrient a body of living being requires. Protein is an important constituent of our tissues and cells of the body.

Protein is a long chain of amino acid.

Protein Function:

The proteins are useful in the vital metabolic process. Protein supply building material for the body. They make good loss occur due to the wear and tear of the body. They also defend our body from infections.

Dr Axe explains Proteins are used every day to keep the body going. Because they’re used to develop, grow and maintain just about every part of our bodies — from our skin and hair to our digestive enzymes and immune system antibodies — they’re constantly being broken down and must be replaced.

Vital organs, muscles, tissues and even some hormones in the body are made from proteins. Additionally, proteins create hemoglobin and important antibodies. Proteins are involved in just about every body function from controlling blood sugar levels to healing wounds and fighting off bacteria.

Protein Source:

Our diet must supply the protein required by our body.   Most of the foods we consume contain some amount of Protein. Quality and quantity differ. Some foods are considered protein-rich; like pulses, oilseeds, and nuts. (We don’t consider animal as eatable so animal food is excluded.) Soya bean contains the highest amount of Proteins. Infographic by Cleveland clinic below is self-explanatory about vegetarian protein source.

 What happens when we are Protein deficient?

1. A sluggish metabolism
2. Trouble losing weight
3. Trouble building muscle mass
4. Low energy levels and fatigue
5. Poor concentration and trouble learning
6. Moodiness and mood swings
7. Muscle, bone and joint pain
8. Blood sugar changes that can lead to diabetes
9. Slow wound healing
10. Low immunity
11. High Cholesterol

How much Protein is necessary?

Ideally, we need 1 gram per Kg of our weight. This means a person of 80 kg weight needs 80 grams of protein daily. This requirement changes in special cases like people doing weight training, pregnancy and early childhood. In these cases, a body needs more protein.

The sustained protein deficiency is not good for our health. In his research, Mayo clinic researcher Jan van Deursen, Ph.D., he and his team created genetically modified mice that had a protein deficiency in one specific type of protein. They discovered that the mice deficient in this vital protein aged four to five times faster than the control group of normal mice.

Protein declines as we age and, in this study, were found to be at deficient levels in the mice’s muscles, heart, brain, spleen, testis, and ovaries. The study theorizes that this holds true in the human body, too, with a protein deficiency leading to cataracts, heart problems, kyphosis or muscle atrophy — all somewhat common in the elderly.

There is a protein deviancy blood test known as Serum Protein test.

When you eat, don’t just eat as an ignorant. Become nutrient conscious when you eat. Your ignorance is harmful and makes you disease-full.

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” Benjamin Franklin

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Source:

Dr Axe website

Nutritive value of Indian Foods, A book by National Institute of Nutrition

Cleveland Clinic Infographic