Protein: An Essential Biomolecule

One of the many important food components is protein. These proteins are made up of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon. They are extremely important for repairing tissues and building the body. They are essential for the proper functioning of the cells in our body. One gram of protein has four calories in it. Protein has biomolecules and macromolecules. They are linked to each other through a chain of amino acids. The carbon compounds in a protein that is present in living organisms are biomolecules that they produce themselves. They can be further classified into three classes on the bases of their size: large, medium, and small.

Polypeptides and peptide bonds

Small biomolecules along with amino acids, fatty acids, monosaccharides, glycerol, and nucleotides combine to form large biomolecules. Monosaccharides combine to form cellulose, glycogen, and starch. The chain formed by the linking of amino acids is called a polypeptide, whereas the bond that is formed is called a peptide bond. A human body uses only 22 out of the many amino acids that exist in all living organisms. They are very crucial for the correct sequence of DNA failure, which leads to sickle cell anaemia. Protein can be found in both plant and animal-based diets. Milk, meat, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products are proteins found in animals. Protein found in plants is soy, nuts, grains, and beans. 

Role of proteins 

Protein is responsible for many functions of our body. These are antibodies, storage, and transportation, maintaining the structure of the cells, and acting as the messenger of signal for various processes. It is the main component of bodybuilding. The requirement of proteins varies from person to person. They also depend on various factors like age of a person, height and weight of a person, activity level of a person, lifestyle, and any health conditions that a person may have. There may be a need for high protein intake during the growing years of a child, for pregnant women, people with injuries, and those who work out.

Deficiency of protein

Any food, when taken in excess or if there is a deficiency of it, may cause serious health problems. Protein is converted into amino acids, which go to the liver and then into urea. Further processing takes place in the kidneys. Other molecules of amino acid are converted into glucose to provide energy. Unlike fats, excess proteins are not stored anywhere in our bodies.

The extra protein increases the excretion of calcium in the urine, which leads to kidney stones production in our bodies. On the contrary, this deficiency of protein also has bad effects on one’s body. One of the major outcomes of protein deficiency is kwashiorkor. Young children are mostly affected by this disease. 

Its symptoms include diarrhea, flaky skin, underdevelopment, fatty liver, etc. However, in adults, it causes fatigue, thinning of hairs, swelling in the legs and face, brittle nails, and more chances of getting infections. These can be usually seen in developing countries and underdeveloped countries. People in old age might have these problems even in developed countries.

When you are looking for protein food, you have plenty of options out there: vegetarian, non-vegetarian, even vegan.

Plant proteins

• whole grains (whole wheat, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats, barley, millet, etc.)
• legumes such as peas (split, green, etc.), beans (black, chickpea, kidney, moong, etc.), lentils, soybeans, peanuts
• Seeds and nuts like cashews, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnut, pumpkin seeds, sesame, sunflower, chia, and flax seeds.
• Other sources are fruits and vegetables like broccoli, corn, brussels sprouts, artichokes, and asparagus.

Animal proteins

• Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese (mozzarella, cottage, cheddar), milk, butter, ice cream
• Poultry (turkey, duck, chicken), seafood (molluscs, fish, crustaceans), eggs
• Red meat like pork, mutton, lamb, beef, etc. It is advised to consume red meat in limited quantities.

These are all various food items that have high protein. This protein rich food should be consumed in adequate quantities. A protein-rich diet can also help in weight management or weight loss, especially for those people who are suffering from obesity. But this type of high protein diet is not recommended to all as it can lead to: 

• Reverse effects after the intake are changed to low 
• Lack of antioxidants, fibre, and other important elements available in plants
• Expensive, which may be a problem for individuals to maintain such a diet.

Conclusion

A key component of our balanced diet is proteins. It is found in so many food items which we normally eat. Hence you can relax knowing that you are getting protein in your diet. However, it is also important that you don’t over intake protein. Overconsumption can lead to other health-related problems.