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Diet & Nutrition
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How Important is
Protein in Our Diet?
The word "protein" is derived from
the Greek word "proteios", which means primary or holding first place. It is the
most important cell constituent. Protein is present in all cells of the body. The level of
proteins varies in different tissues of the body like muscles contain about 20% of the
protein where as in blood plasma it is 7%.
In the body, protein plays an important
role in the biochemical, biophysical and physiological processes. Protein is required for
almost all functions of the body as well as the structural integrity of the cells. The
structural integrity of the cell is maintained by the protein component present in the
cell wall. Gene - the basic code of life, enzyme - the catalyst used in different chemical
activities in the body and hormones - the substances, that control and stimulate organs
contain protein. Protein is the major component of the disease producing organisms like
virus, protective substance like antibodies and treatment medications like antibiotics. Proteins are very complex nitrogenous
organic compounds built up of smaller units called amino acids. There are about 21 amino
acids in the body. Most of the amino acids can be synthesized in the body but few can not
be synthesized and to be provided in the food. Since it is essential to be provided in
food for normal functioning of the body, they are called essential amino acids. There are
eight essential amino acids and they are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,
phenylanine, tryptophan, threonine and valine. In infants, apart from these amino acids
histidine is essential to be provided in food. It is wrong to think that since
non-essential amino acids can be synthesized in the body, their inclusion in the diet has
no value. Some non-essential amino acids can be synthesized only from other essential
amino acids so if they are not supplied in the diet some of the essential amino acids will
have to be used for their synthesis.
Functions of Protein
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Proteins are necessary structural integrity of cells and
growth of the body.
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They are required for the formation of enzymes, digestive
juices, hemoglobin and hormones.
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Required for the protection of the body against infection.
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Proteins help in the transport of oxygen, nutrients and
drugs.
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Protein is required for tissue repair.
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They are needed for the production of milk proteins during
lactation.
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To replace the daily loss of body proteins.
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Proteins are also a source of energy. Each gram of protein
provides 4 kcal
There are
two sources of proteins
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Animal Sources
- eggs, milk, mutton, fish, poultry,
liver etc.
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Plant
sources
- pulses and legumes, cereals, nuts, beans, oilseeds etc.
Class I proteins
are derived from animal sources since they contain
all essential amino acids needed by the body. Egg protein is considered as the reference
protein because of its high biological value and digestibility.
Class II
is derived from pulses and legumes, cereals, vegetables, nuts and they do not contain all
the essential amino acids they lack in one or more amino acids. Individually they may be
lacking in one or more amino acids but combinations make it available of all amino acids.
For example cereal and pulse combination is better than consuming only pulse or only
cereal.
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Protein Deficiency
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Weakness.
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Anemia.
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Protein energy malnutrition - kwashiorkor and
marasmus.
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Delayed wound and fracture healing.
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Decreased resistance to infection because antibody formation
is decreased.
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Sprue syndrome.
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