Protein and Its role in Nutrition - Research Paper Example

Proteins in Nutrition The paper deals with the issue of proteins in nutrition. Such aspects as nutrition of vegetarians and people, who consume all types of food, are discussed further on. Moreover, such issues as over consume of proteins or a lack of proteins are analyzed. Key words: proteins, complete/incomplete proteins, amino acids, calories, nutrition. Introduction It is very important for every individual to take care of his nutrition. It is of crucial importance to be aware of the important role vitamins, micro- and macro elements play in our nutrition and contribute much to our lives. Further discussion deals with proteins. These are polymer chains, which consist of amino acids connected by peptide bonds (Bender & Bender, 1995). There are two types of amino acids: these are essential or non-essential amino acids. There is less kcal per gram in proteins, unlike lipids (4 as opposed to 9). It is important for every human being to obtain proteins from different sources of food. In the process of nutrition proteins are broken down into polypeptides. These elements provide human body with amino acids. Therefore, a diet of every individual should provide a human organism with essential and non-essential amino acids in order to synthesize proteins. That is why, it is very important for people who do not eat animal products to combine different proteins and obtain essential part of amino acids in their diet. A role of proteins What do we need proteins for, actually? This question has a complicated answer, because there are many important functions, which proteins perform for our organism. For example: “muscles, organs, connective tissues, skin, bones, teeth, blood, and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)” are built and maintained under the influence of proteins (Mitchell, 1997). Moreover, proteins play a crucial role when an individual is ill. They are helpful for further recovery thanks to the inner power of a human organism. When an individual lacks of protein, he may be very soon become exhausted after exercising. Another important function is a creation of enzymes. Everybody knows proteins called antibodies, which are responsible for immune protection. Different kinds of bacteria or toxins or any other harmful form for the organism is stopped by antibodies. It is possible to find proteins in hormones. These are chemical messengers within a human body. Moreover, one has to admit that plant species containing complete proteins are soy, amaranth, and quinoa (Ghosh, 1984). Therefore, it is possible for people who do not eat animal food because of religious or personal prejudices to eat these plant species in order to provide their organisms with the required quantity of proteins. In order to obtain proteins, it is relevant to consume beans and grains every day. For example, if you eat peanuts or brown rice every day it will be enough for your organism to be enriched with proteins. Plant food is also rich with proteins, but only proteins containing there are not complete ones. Thus, plant foods are usually has a name of complementary proteins source. It is relevant to suggest that for people who do not eat animal food, proteins containing in plant foods may be a healthy alternative. The issue, which is more complicated, is the way proteins are cooked. When proteins are cooked they are denatured. The structure of proteins is changed; moreover, no functions of proteins are performed. The amino acids change flavor of proteins. For example, it is easy to see when albumen turns white while cooking an egg. Another example can be drawn from sea waves. In the process of waves breaking onto the sand sea foam occurs (Protein Diets, 2002). Generally speaking, it is hard to make a judgment of whether it is useful or not to over consume animal proteins. It is necessary to consume from five to six ounces of complete proteins a day for adults (Ghosh, 1984). For example, modern Americans consume bacon and eggs for breakfast, to have lunch with meat or dinner with meat. There is also another drawback of animal proteins. This kind of proteins is rich in cholesterol. Therefore, it is necessary for people to be aware of the fact that it is better to eat not much and not less of animal proteins. Value of proteins in nutrition It is essential for human body to obtain amino acids in order to maintain health and physical growth of an organism. The most relevant way out is to combine complete and incomplete proteins. Cellular repair and regulation is maintained and regulated by proteins. Moreover, proteins are responsible for hormone or enzymes production, for fluid balancing and organism provision with energy. It is also relevant to mention the way protein may lead to malnutrition. This fact can be proven by the nitrogen balance index (NBI). This index compares protein amount used by body and protein amount obtained from food. A positive nitrogen balance is reached when protein intake is greater than the amount of proteins spent by the body. It means that body is unable to build new tissue. Nevertheless, over consuming of proteins leads to an excess of proteins which is further converted into fat. In case of negative nitrogen index, human body intakes less proteins than required and as a result, a body cannot build new tissues (Nutrition Reports, 2011). A more serious outcome of a negative nitrogen balance can result in protein deficiency. In other words, tissues are broken in human body faster than new tissues are being built. Thus, different kinds of illness may occur. For example, a serious impact can be made on the immune system. In the result of plasma shortage in blood, anemia or edema may occur as well. A serious and well-known disease caused by a lack of proteins in human organism is known as kwashiorkor (Liebman, 2007). When a child suffers from this disease, he may lose his appetite or poor tissue/muscle development and may even die. Therefore, in order to prevent drastic consequences of this illness, it is relevant to consume food rich in proteins. In accordance with the study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition (1973) it occurred to the world’s society that in case children are undernourished, they would recover soon in case they get 310 calories (Ghosh, 1984). Moreover, additional provision with calories is helpful for children, when it is necessary to reduce a risk of protein calorie malnutrition (Liebman, 2007).  Therefore, it is relevant to have a personal formula, which indicates the amount of required calories. Protein intake depends on an individual’s age, physical activity level and medical condition. Nevertheless, there are standards of required proteins provision presented further on: (3-4 ounces of meat or fish; ½ cup of dry legumes or lentils; 1 egg etc) (Fuel of Energy, 2010). Conclusion As far as we can see, the role of proteins in nutrition is the issue relevant to people who eat only plant food or who consume animal food. There is a way out for vegetarians as well. In spite of the fact that they do not consume animal proteins, may choose from soy, tofu, oats etc. Those people, who over consume proteins are also at risk. They may suffer from problems with kidney, heart attacks and other illnesses (Mitchell, 1997). Consequently, proteins play an important role in nutrition. Every individual should remember of a golden mean when thinking about dieting: not too many proteins and not too little proteins. Works cited 1. Are Protein Diets a Safe Way to Lose Weight?. (2002, January 1). Nutrition Health Review 10+. Retrieved August 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5037659929 2. Bender, A. E., & Bender, D. A. (1995). A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Retrieved August 30, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=87339351 3. Fuel of Energy; Sports Nutrition Expert Nikos Jakubiak on How to Treat Your Body like a Finely-Tuned Engine: The Human Body Is Very Smart Because We Infl to He in from YOU. (2010, September 26). Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland), p. 8. Retrieved August 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5045125817 4. Ghosh, P. K. (Ed.). (1984). Health, Food, and Nutrition in Third World Development. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved August 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=28611360 5. Liebman, B. (2007, May). Good Carbs : Good Protein Good Fats: Which Is Better for Your Heart?. Nutrition Action Healthletter, 34, 1+. Retrieved August 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5028567724 6. Mitchell, M. K. (1997). Nutrition across the Life Span. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders. Retrieved August 30, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=104079429 7. Nutrition Reports Encourage Eating a Greater Amount of Seafood for Protein, Vita. (2011, April 22). Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), p. 5. Retrieved August 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5048544728 Read More