Protein is an essential nutrient that consists of amino acids which contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. This group of amino acids is essential for synthesizing specialized protein in our bodies.
We have protein in all our cells. And as we ingest protein, it builds more cells. It helps our bodies to perform its functions.
About half of ingested protein goes into making enzymes. Enzymes work to aid digestion and to help in the creation of new cells. The digestive enzymes break down the protein's amino acids and some of them link up with fats to form lipoproteins which escorts cholesterol in and out of our bodies.
The average adult needs about .8 grams of protein per pound of weight. As you grow older, the body synthesizes new proteins less efficiently. Your muscle mass diminishes but often, your fat content increases. This is why people will say, "muscle seems to turn to fat." But in consolation, some tissues never stop growing: hair, skin, and nails.
Some diets, usually fad diets, may skip protein altogether. This is unhealthy. While other diets, recommend a high intake of protein. These are the Atkins diet that has you cutting carbs and eating a high protein diet. While people at first tend to lose a lot of weight eating mostly protein, it is not good, especially for people with high cholesterol issues. A balanced diet is better both for your health and to lose weight. Those diets will take it off quickly, but once you stop, the pounds will come back just as quickly.
The recommendation of a good healthy diet for protein intake is between 60 and 127 grams if you are on a 1200-1550 calories diet per day. If you go to www.sparkpeople.com and look under the nutrition tracking, it will give you the numbers.
Protein is very important to keeping yourself healthy. Don't cheat yourself by skipping on protein. And don't skip breakfast! It really is the most important meal of the day. Till next time. Good eating! ~ Aunt Millie
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