Intake fuels output. This makes proper nutrition an important part of living a healthy and productive life.
Protein plays a key role in fueling your fire. Nutrition experts recommend that 10-30 percent of a person’s caloric intake comes from this macronutrient.
What is the importance of protein? Keep reading to learn more!
Tissue Health
Blood circulates through the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells and then bringing CO2 back to the lungs for expulsion.
Without oxygen, tissues quickly necrotize. Too much CO2 buildup creates an acidic environment within the body.
The protein, hemoglobin, carries oxygen and CO2 through the blood. Without it, these compounds could not bind to the blood cell.
Immunity
When microbes invade the body, your immune system kicks in. It senses something called an antigen on the foreign invader.
When this happens, your body creates antibodies out of protein. These antibodies latch onto the antigen and remove the germs from your body.
If you did not eat enough protein, this could potentially impair your immune system. Without the ability to produce antibodies, you would be essentially defenseless, which could lead to serious illness and even death.
Muscle Recovery
Did you know that proteins make up 75% of your body? From head to toe, these chains of amino acids provide structure. This includes your skeletal muscle.
After working out, muscles actually experience microtears as they grow, which is why people use the term ‘ripped’ to describe a muscular individual. You actually injure your muscles to make them bigger.
Eating foods high in protein will speed up this muscle recovery. Since protein provides a major component of muscle structure, it will also aid in the growth process!
Hunger Control
Carbohydrates create an excellent source of readily available energy for the body. But, the body breaks them down quickly and uses the ATP right away.
This can leave you feeling hungry quickly after eating if you do not include substantial protein into your diet.
The body takes longer to metabolize protein. In turn, you feel satiated for longer. Select a meal planning system that properly balances protein, fat, and carbs.
Hair and Nails
Not eating enough protein can spell disaster for your hair and nails. Both of these characteristics contain structural proteins.
A fibrous protein called keratin provides hair and nails strength and structure. If you notice dull hair, unexplained breakage, or chipped nails, you may need more protein in your diet.
Hormonal Balance
Hormones do everything from regulating your blood sugar to stabilizing your water balance. Proteins make up peptide hormones.
Some major peptide hormones include:
- Insulin
- Glucagon
- Vasopressin
- Growth hormone
- Oxytocin
Eat good sources of protein to keep your body in check. Lean protein choices include beans, lentils, peas, and fish.
What Is the Importance of Protein?
What is the importance of protein in the human body?
Your life basically depends on it. Everything from major life functions to superficial beauty requires adequate protein intake.
Do you want to bring more plant protein into your life? Find delicious vegetarian recipes on our website!
