Protein is an important substance discovered in every cell in the human body. In reality, except for water, protein is the most plentiful compound in your body. This protein is made by your body making use of the dietary protein you take in. It is used in lots of vital processes and therefore has to be consistently replaced. You can accomplish this by routinely consuming foods that contain protein.
6 Functions of Proteins in the Body
1. Repair and Maintenance
Pregnant women need to increase protein consumption in order to facilitate their child’s advancement.
Protein is described the building block of the body. It is called this due to the fact that protein is vital in the upkeep of body tissue, consisting of advancement and repair. Hair, skin, eyes, muscles and organs are all made from protein. This is why children need more protein per pound of body weight than adults; they are growing and developing new protein tissue.
2. Energy
Protein is a major source of energy. If you take in more protein than you need for body tissue maintenance and other essential functions, your body will use it for energy. If it is not needed due to sufficient consumption of other energy sources such as carbohydrates, the protein will be used to produce fat and becomes part of fat cells.
3. Hormones
Protein is associated with the development of some hormones. These substances help control body functions that involve the interaction of a number of organs. Insulin, a small protein, is an example of a hormone that regulates blood sugar. It includes the interaction of organs such as the pancreas and the liver. Secretin, is another example of a protein hormone. This substance helps in the digestion process by promoting the pancreas and the intestinal tract to create necessary gastrointestinal juices.
4. Enzymes
The creation of DNA could not take place without the action of protein enzymes.
Enzymes are proteins that increase the rate of chain reactions in the body. In reality, the majority of the needed chemical reactions in the body would not efficiently continue without enzymes. For example, one type of enzyme functions as an aid in digesting large protein, carbohydrate and fat particles into smaller particles, while another helps the development of DNA.
5. Transport and Storage of Molecules
Protein is a major aspect in transport of certain molecules. For example, hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. Protein is also often used to store certain particles. Ferritin is an example of a protein that integrates with iron for storage in the liver.
6. Antibodies
Antibodies formed by protein help prevent numerous diseases and infections.
Protein kinds antibodies that assist prevent infection, illness and disease. These proteins determine and help in destroying antigens such as bacteria and infections. They often work in conjunction with the other body immune system cells. For instance, these antibodies identify then surround antigens in order to keep them contained till they can be destroyed by leukocyte.
What Happens if I Do Not Get Enough Protein?
Protein shortage is mainly brought on by essential amino acid shortage. Shortage of each of the nine essential amino acids causes distinct symptoms. Shortage of any of them prohibits the synthesis of a variety of proteins. Without protein, the human body can not function typically.
Early signs of protein shortage include:
- Muscle loss (unanticipated weight reduction).
- Fatigue.
- Low libido.
- Depression.
- Uneasiness (stress and anxiety).
- Anemia.
What Happens if I Have Too Much Protein?
High protein diets promote using amino acids for fuel rather of as building material. The result is increased nitrogen excretion in the urine in the form of ammonia. High levels of ammonia can be a concern to the kidney and might cause inexplicable vomiting or loss of appetite.
