Most people understand protein as a nutrient the body needs to function in a normal, healthy way, that and the fact that you can get it from eating steak. This is true but definitely not limited to that. It's not just about a healthy diet and proper nutrition. Protein probably plays one of the biggest parts in the development of the human anatomy. It is one of the most basic building blocks of our body. The bones for example are mostly known to be made up of calcium but did you know it's about one-fourth protein? The muscles in our body, our organs and the immune system are mostly made up of proteins.
PROTEIN BY DEFINITION. Protein came from the Greek word "proteios" that means holding first place. The proteins that we get from what we eat are converted into different types of molecules. Our muscles, organs and the immune system are mostly made up of protein. Protein is also essential for building DNA, a genetic code that is unique for each individual. Most of our dry weight (that is the part of body that is not made of water) is made up of protein. The bones (as mentioned earlier), muscles, tissues and skin are some of these.
Protein
BASICS. More specifically, the proteins that we get are made up of something more basic. These are called the amino acids. These consist of organic compounds like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sometimes even sulfur. These organic compounds react to each other to form a bond. This bond or reaction is essential for the molecule building as suggested earlier. Moreover, there are over 20 amino acids that make up protein.
Of this number there are about 13 amino acids that our body can produce on its' own. You don't even have to think about it. However, at least 9 amino acids need to be supplemented. These are called essential amino acids. Examples are: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Selenocysteine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. These are the ones that we need to get out of the protein rich food that we take.
Other than amino acids, proteins also bond with sugar (usually from carbohydrates), lipids (fats), or even metal (iron). For example, some organic compounds that react with iron will form hemoglobin. These are pigments in the red blood cells that are responsible to transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide in the tissues through the bloodstream. Simply put, hemoglobin are proteins that has iron atoms. Protein also serves as a chief ingredient for antibodies. Antibodies as part of our immune system help us resist infection by blocking and protecting our bodies from foreign intruders.
PROTEIN DEFICIENCY. All those being said, lack of protein can cause a lot of damage throughout a person's body. For one, it can lead to reduced intelligence and mental retardation. People who suffer from Alzheimer's disease lack specific proteins for the brain. In third world countries alone, protein-energy malnutrition kills 10 million annually. Protein deficiency is very common in poor, overpopulated countries. This is where famine usually occurs which raises the rate of malnutrition. Developing countries also has reports of protein deficiency but mostly on adults. Dieting or crash dieting to lose weight is one reason.
There is much more to protein especially once you break it down piece by piece. One must understand the proper use of protein to know what role it plays in the human body and how to use it. It doesn't end with what's on the dining table.
What is Protein? A Simple Definition
Martha Casantosan
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