Proteins

Chicken

Every cell, tissue, blood, muscles, skin, hair, bone nails and teeth in our body contains proteins. Body produces enzymes, hormones, and vitamins from proteins. Proteins are also used in the production of hemoglobin, the red blood cells that take oxygen to our body. Proteins are consumed in the production of antibodies that fight infection and disease.

Protein chart

The proteins in the body are used up and then replaced constantly. The proteins we consume is converted into amino acids and are used to replace the proteins used up by the body.

The digestion of proteins starts in the stomach. The acids produced in the stomach break the proteins down and with the help of enzymes the proteins are converted into amino acids. Single amino acids and peptides are absorbed in the small intestines, completing the proteins digestion process.

Milk

Proteins, like carbohydrates and fats, give energy and contribute to the calories available to the body. Some weight watchers go for a high protein low carbohydrate diet in order to lose weight fast. When the carbohydrates and fats in the system are not adequate to meet the immediate energy needs, the body will burn its own fat to fuel the body functions by producing and releasing ketones into the blood stream.  Ketones are necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and as energy source for the body. Ketosis is a condition ketones are found in blood and urine. There is no threat from this condition. It simply indicates that you could consume a bit more of carbohydrates or fats. Ketosis should not be confused with diabetic ketoacidosis. In the latter case, due to the absence of insulin, the body does not realize that the ketones have reached optimal level and therefore continues to produce ketones which alter the pH to be acidic. This is the cause for ketoacidosis. If the body can produce even a very small amount of insulin, this condition will not arise.

Eggs

There are twenty different types of amino acids that combine to make all the various types of proteins.  A complete protein source is one that provides all of the essential amino acids. It is essential that our diet include these amino acids.

A complete or high quality protein source gives all the amino acids needed by the body. These complete sources are cheese, milk, meat, poultry, fish and eggs.

An incomplete protein source is deficient in one or more amino acids. Two or more sources that jointly provide all the essential amino acids are called complementary proteins. For example rice and soy beans may have all the essential amino acids. Hemp protein and soy protein powders are a good substitute for animal proteins for vegetarians.

Recommended Dietary Allowance for Protein
Grams of protein needed each day for each kg of weight

Children ages 1 – 3 0.87
Children ages 4 – 8 0.76
Children ages 9 – 13 0.76
Girls ages 14 – 18 0.71
Boys ages 14 – 18 0.73
Women ages 19 – 70+ 0.66
Men ages 19 – 70+ 0.66


One cup of milk will make available 8 grams of protein. A three ounce piece of meat provides 21 grams, and one cup of dry beans gives 6 grams and eight ounce of yogurt gives 11 grams of proteins.

Cheese

Side effects
Many dietitians think that a heavy intake of protein can do more harm than good. Here are some of the harmful effects of excess consumption of proteins:
1. Weight gain – excess protein will be stored as body fat
2. Increase the acidity level of the body. In order balance the PH level of the body, the kidney will           eliminate excessive urine. Some calcium will be released as buffer in the urine. High acidity in the body may lead to gout.
3. Produces ketones that will have to be eliminated with urine
4. Irritation of stomach and intestines, constipation, diarrhea and acid reflux.
5. Dehydration - for every 100 grams of protein you should consume ¾ liter of water
6. Increase in liver enzymes
7. Increased cancer risk, disorders of liver function, and  coronary artery disease
8. Calcium loss - Protein is digested and absorbed with the help of calcium.
9. Kidney and liver problems – some of the disadvantages mention above result in overworking of        the kidneys and the liver.
10. Kidney stones
11. Harvard School of Public Health connects animal protein with cancer risk
12. Some whey protein powders tested for heavy metal toxins found one or more of lead, cadmium,         arsenic and mercury toxins.
13. Bloating
14. Ketosis - where the body burns more fat as a source of energy due to the lack of carbohydrates

Meat and protein chart shows protein, calorie, minerals and vitamin contents of many meat products.

For an over view of Nutrition visit this page in this blog.