Protein and How It Works in the Body

Many people think of protein as just another calorie or fat to be avoided.  In reality, proteins are excellent sources of amino acids needed to put up new proteins.  They develop, maintain and restore the tissues in your body and are the major components of muscle tissue.  They are responsible for muscle development and enduring stamina which have perfected many an athletic performance.   

Sources of proteins are as numerous as they come.  They can be found in beef, poultry, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like black beans.  Animal sources of protein tend to be complete and called the essential amino acids while those coming from vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts are incomplete.   But some people don’t meat while there are also vegetarians.  In order to get as much protein as needed these people should eat a variety of protein-containing foods each day.  But in any case animal or vegetable protein most probably has the same effects on the body.   

When the protein-containing foods are digested in the stomach they break down the protein into basic units called the amino acids.  The amino acids are recycled to make the protein the body requires for proper maintenance of the muscles, bones, and blood and body organs. This includes specialized forms as collagen for supportive tissue, hemoglobin for transport, antibodies for immune defense and enzymes for metabolism.

By how much protein is needed by the body can be known by how much you weigh.  Kids are required to have at least 0.5 grams of protein for every pound they weigh.  While adults need as much as 60 grams per day.  The bottom line is, it is significant to focus on to what comes along with the protein in your food choices.  If you are more of a beef eater stick with the leanest cuts to get the desired amount of protein.
But you can still opt for your own favorite combination of protein rich food.   

Almost any sensible diet will give you sufficient protein each day.  By consuming a variety of foods will give you the assurance that you get all the amino acids you need.  But true enough people rarely eat straight protein diet.  What they actually need is a good mix of proteins.  If you are carnivorous guide yourself toward the leanest cuts.  Avoid the fatty sides as always.  If you like dairy products, skim and low-fat is advisable for healthier choice.  

There is a need to balance carbohydrates and proteins.  This will help reduce the risks of heart attack, stroke or other form of cardiovascular disease.  Besides that, too much protein in the body can weaken bones.  Cutting back also helps reduce the levels of blood triglycerides and HDL. 

Other sources of protein like soybeans, tofu and other soy-based foods make excellent alternative to beef.  But as always eat soy in moderation.  Never be excessive.  Exercising moderation is always true in anything.  Excess will cause waste and waste will bring nothing but problems and headaches.  That would be another health problem.