Proteins are large molecules that our cells need in order to function properly. Our body functions are controlled by proteins. This is because they are essential in the development of our cells, our tissues as well as our organs, without which we cannot survive.
Proteins are composed of 20 amino acids such as: alanine arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, trythopane, tyrosine and valine.
Proteins are composed of a string of amino acids that form the basis of life. Amino acids are organic molecules that consist of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sometimes sulfur. It is these amino acids that synthesize protein and other important compounds in the body, like creatine, peptides, hormones and neurotransmitters.
There are three types of protein foods. These are:
- Complete Protein. These are the foods that contain all the essential amino acids, which come mostly from animal food, such as meat, eggs and dairy products.
- Incomplete Protein. These are foods that contain at least one essential amino acid, and these come from plant foods such as beans, peas, and grains.
- Complementary Proteins. These are a combination of two or more incomplete proteins that are combined to make a complete protein such as: rice and beans, bread with peanut butter.
Functions of Proteins:
The main role of proteins in the body is to build and repair the worn out tissues of the body such as:
Structural Repair – Collagen, Keratin, Elastin
Hormonal Repair – Insulin
Carriers (example) – Hemoglobin
Enzymes – Amylase – Most enzymes are proteins and are catalysts, which
speeds up the chemical process of the body. They are necessary for cell
respiration in human beings and photosynthesis in plants.
Plant Sources of Proteins:
Proteins are nutrient-essential to the human diet. But not all the proteins that we eat are converted in the body as proteins. When we partake of food containing amino acids, these amino acids enables the body to create or synthesize protein. If we do not consume some of these amino acids, the body cannot synthesize enough proteins to enable the body to function properly.
There are nine amino acids that the body cannot synthesize. These are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
The body does not need all the essential amino acids as the body can utilize the amino acids from the previous meals, to form complete proteins. If you have complete protein throughout the day, there is no risk of protein deficiency.
Soy and quinoa are vegetable sources of complete protein. Combining lentils or red beans with wholegrain rice or peanut butter with whole wheat bread provides also complete protein.
Other sources of proteins include: tofu, beans such as: Lima, white beans, black beans, nuts, seeds, peas and many more.
Deficiencies in Protein:
People deficient in proteins are found in most of the third world countries. Protein deficiency leads to malnutrition. Too much of protein and less of the other essentials to the diet, lead to malnutrition also. It is important therefore that a balance diet is goal of each family. Children, especially, must be fed with a balanced diet in order to avoid like threatening diseases like marasmus and kwashiorkor.
Marasmus is a deficiency due to severe lack protein-energy requirement and the calories needed in one’s diet. Without these requirements the energy level becomes dangerously low and the vital functions of the body stops, thus leading to death.
Kwashiorkor is another form of severe lack of protein energy malnutrition where the main deficiency is protein. It can cause the body to retain fluids such as swelling of the legs, feet, arms, hands and face, leading o swollen appearance. Sometime it can also cause a budging stomach. Symptoms may include: loss of appetite, lack of energy, irritability, changes in hair color, from yellow to orange.
Both diseases need prompt medical diagnosis and treatment because both are life threatening diseases.
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