Health Benefits of Protein

What is Protein?

Proteins are the building blocks of any living organism. They are composed of chains of 20 different kinds of amino acids. Proteins constitute life in the form of enzymes, antibodies, hormones, hair, nail, bone, teeth, hemoglobin (blood protein), neurotransmitters, skin or as the basic components of any cell in our body

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.  These amino acids are necessary for building muscle and blood. There are 22 amino acids, which are divided into two categories, including essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. The body can make some of the essential acids on it’s own, but certain amino acids must come from eating foods containing protein.

Essential amino acids:

Essential amino acids are amino acids human body can not synthesize and there fore they have to be supplied in the diet. List of essential amino acids: Valine, threonine, leucine, lysine, isoleucine, methionine, phenyalanine, and tryptophan.

Non-essential amino acids:

Non-essential amino acids can be produced in the body as long as the carbon, hydrogen, oxygen (from fats or carbohydrates) and nitrogen components are supplied in the diet. List of non-essential amino acids: Alanine, cysteine, glycine, serine, histidine, tyrosine, cystine, proline, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glutamine.

Health Benefits of Protein

There are many health benefits of protein. Eating enough protein is essential to maintain a healthy body. If the body sustains an injury, such as a cut, protein helps with tissue repair. Along with carbohydrates, protein provides energy for the body which helps keep us from becoming fatigued. Another  benefit of protein is helping the body fight off illness and disease and keeping the immune system functioning properly.  Protein also helps build skin, hair, nails and cartilage. Because the body does not store protein, it’s important to eat healthy protein everyday.

My suggestion for anyone is to take a minimum of 1 gram per bodypound.  I personally take in 1.5-2 grams per bodypound every day. I suggest eating lean sources such as white fish,egg whites,chicken breast,turkey,occasional steak,occasional salmon, and nuts. Also protein shakes are a great substitute to make sure you are getting enough daily.