Proteins

Proteins play an essential role in the cellular maintenance, growth, and functioning of the human body. Serving as the basic structural molecule of all the tissues in the body, protein makes up nearly 17 percent of the total body weight.

Amino acids are the basic components of hormones, which are essential chemical signaling messengers of the body. Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and other ductless glands, and regulate bodily functions and processes.

Enzymes, which play an essential kinetic role in biological reactions, are composed of large protein molecules. Enzymes facilitate the rate of reactions by acting as catalysts and lowering the activation energy barrier between the reactants and the products of the reactions. All chemical reactions that occur during the digestion of food and the metabolic processes in tissues require enzymes. Therefore, enzymes are vital to the overall function of the body, and thereby indicate the fundamental and significant role of proteins.

Protein assists with immunity because it is vital for the production of large numbers of white blood cells which are the cells that fight infections. Because babies are growing rapidly they require more protein than adults compared to their body weight. Breast or formula milk will provide the major source of protein for the first eight months. A variety of foods should be given each day so the baby obtains the right balance of amino acids. For example if a baby has toast, lentils and yoghurt during a day that would give a good balance.

Proteins are very important in maintaining fluid and PH Balance. High protein foods are acid forming by nature and their intake causes Acid Ph. Thus Balanced protein intake is essential for maintaining balanced PH of body.

Amino acids relate a lot to athletes because they are the building blocks of proteins. If there are not enough carbohydrates in your diet amino acids can be broken down and used as fuel or to make glucose. A lot of marathon runners rely on amino acids because of the fuel they provide to the body during long runs.