• What is protein?
• Importance of protein
• Recommended daily allowances
• Protein calculator

What is protein?

Many different proteins in the body make human life possible.

The word “Protein” is derived from the Greek word ‘protos’ meaning ‘first’.
Protein is the basic chemical unit of living organisms and is essential for nutrition, growth and repair.  Proteins contain nitrogen but the nutritive value of protein-rich foods does not depend upon the total nitrogen content but on the constituent amino acids.

Proteins constitute about 15% of the body weight.

Proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen & also nitrogen
The liquid part of blood (plasma) contains over 100 different proteins, each with a specific function or functions. Amino acids are small units that combine to form a protein molecule.

Simply put, protein is an important constituent of all the tissues and cells of our body, primarily found in muscle and other vital body fluids like blood. It is vital to any organism.

Protein balance both within the body & in the diet is essential to life & death…

Importance of protein

• Protein is in practically every cell of the human body and is responsible for much of the activity, which goes on within these cells.
• Our bodies—hair, muscles, fingernails, and so on—are made up mostly of protein.
• Proteins help to boost the immune system
• Create enzymes which are vital for digestion
• Ensures that a person is fit and healthy
• In other words everyone should take protein and a lack of protein can cause serious health problems for a person.
• An average person will need around 50 g of proteins per day (around 15 % of daily calorie requirement)
• 1 g of protein provides 4 kcal of energy
• The human body is constantly undergoing “wear and tear”, which is repaired by proteins.