Understanding Protein

This is a conversation that needs to be had. Protein. Everyone has stuff to say about it, but everyone doesn’t understand how it relates to the purpose of it in your body. Many people will tell you you need it, you can’t have to much of it, but no one ever wants to really tackle making sure that everyone understands and the important functions of protein in your body.

I want to make it as simple as possible for you, for the sake of you being able to remember it.

Proteins are an important part of great health.

• What is a protein:

According to Webster's Dictionary- : protein is any of various naturally occurring extremely complex substances that consist of amino-acid residues joined by peptide bonds, contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usually sulfur, and occasionally other elements (such as phosphorus or iron), and include many essential biological compounds (such as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies)

The name comes from the Greek word proteos - which means Primary or First Place

Hence why proteins are so important, and why understanding what they do for your body is fundamental in understanding the basics of good health and eating.

I really would like to make this short and sweet.. But it is literally inevitable.

From the basics, proteins are made up of amino acids that join together to form long chains. See the pretty picture below?

Here are all the Amino Acids you will never remember.. To help you understand that in this “candy necklace” of aminos, each one has a special role, in a collection of special links that make up what we know as proteins.

There are 20 Amino Acids that form the different proteins in your body. They do most of their work inside the cells and go do different jobs throughout your body..

Here are some of the most essential proteins and duties that illustrate why your body depends on them and how they can benefit you.

1. Growth and Upkeep

Our body needs protein for the growth and upkeep of tissues. Could you imagine getting a scar and your tissue never healing and replacing itself? (gasp)

The body's protein needs are dependent on your health and your activity level. Protein is in a constant state of turnover. Normally your body breaks down the same amount that it uses to build and repair tissues, when it is breaking down more than it creates we have to increase our amount of protein to assist with our body's needs, like when you are sick, or during pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Or if you have an injury or surgery more protein is needed to assist with the healing.

By making sure we’re eating and amassing enough protein for our body, simply put, we’re giving our bodies the ability to do its daily chores and maintenance wherever necessary in our bodies.

Remember, I don’t like to overload you with information. So I want you to use this as food for thought for yourselves today. Do you know what you are eating? Do you know if you are giving your body the protein that it needs to do the many jobs that it fulfills on a daily basis?

Nevertheless, this is just the beginning!!! Tomorrow, we are going to take it a step further, and in the meantime, here is a protein-hefty food that may benefit your diet.

Lentils

The lentil is an edible legume. It is an annual plant known for its lens-shaped seeds and is about 40 cm tall, with seeds that  grow in pods. 

There are 8 grams of protein per cooked cup (240 ml) of lentils and provide 50% of your daily recommended fiber intake (yes God).... and I’m talking about the good fiber that feeds the healthy bacteria in your colon saints….. That keeps a healthy gut!!!!! That means lentils can help reduce ailments like heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers! So if lentils are not in your diet…. It is time to introduce them.  They can be cooked like beans, boil them and use them for soups, salads, stir frys, dahls, everything.

Ok ok.. I don’t want to overwhelm you.  Just give you some food for thought..for ya on this glorious day 🙂

Hope it was worth the read.  Share this with a friend….there will be more on protein….tomorrow.

This is a pretty important subject, and I want you to understand it.

So until next time.  May your tastebuds be…

Forever Satisfied.  

Que