What Are Proteins Made Of ?

  
 Introduction

    The simple fact is that without proteins, we, or any other form of life, would not exist. Because we need them in relatively large amounts, proteins are referred to as macro nutrients. However, unlike fat and carbohydrates, their primary purpose is not to provide us with energy. In this article you will discover the answers to;
  • What are proteins are made of?
  • Why do we need proteins?
  • Are proteins fattening?
  •                               What are amino acids?
  Along with lots more useful information concerning dietary proteins that will enable you to hold your own in any discussion concerning proteins and amino acids

          What are proteins made of ?



Like almost everything, proteins are made of atoms, however; it is the sub-units that join together to form proteins, that are the important factors of our diet. A single protein could be made of hundreds of individual amino acids, all joined together in a long chain. What makes proteins unique is the many different sequences in which they join together.

         Proteins; their effect on hunger and obesity?

Where energy is concerned; each gram of protein contains 4 kilo calories Although in most circumstances the breaking down and their subsequent re-assembling into different proteins actually uses energy. our body has no way of storing amino acids for use in the future, instead they are either broken down and used for energy, converted and stored as glycogen or converted and stored as fat.

Where proteins are concerned our brains receive signals of satiety (fullness) from three places; stretch receptors in our stomach, signaling molecules released by our small intestine, and, once they are broken down and absorbed into our blood stream, from the blood itself. Many nutritionists argue that proteins take longer to digest that carbohydrates and therefore, because they remain in our stomachs and intestines for longer also keep us feeling full for longer

         How do we digest proteins ?

   During their journey through our digestive system proteins are broken down into their component parts by other types of proteins called enzymes. After which they are absorbed through the walls of our intestines. Once absorbed into our blood the amino acids are reassembled, either as new proteins or other essential molecules.

 What do we use proteins for

   Apart from every cell in our body containing at least some proteins, our muscles are made of mainly protein. Also, the tiny molecules we call enzymes, some of which are responsible for digestion, are types of protein. Many neurotransmitters and hormones, our bodies' signaling molecules, are made of proteins. While it is true that muscle is made of mostly protein, simply eating more protein will not itself result in increased muscle mass. This can only be done by instigating a demand for more muscle by doing exercise.

  More about amino acids

  A varied diet will ensure a sufficient mix of the 20 different amino acids, failing that our liver is capable of synthesizing most of them from existing amino acids. However; nine of them must be obtained from our diet, these are called essential amino acids.

        Protein deficiency

  While the most obvious symptom of protein deficiency is a depletion of skeletal muscle, there are many more recognized protein deficiency disorders. Diarrhea, hair loss, a weakened immune system and fatigue are all possible symptoms of protein deficiency. Most at risk form such disorders are vegetarians, due to vegetables not containing the 9 essential amino acids in sufficient quantities, although an adequate intake of soy milk can compensate.

Conclusion

   Proteins, or more precisely the amino acids they are made of, are an essential part of our diet. They are present in every part of our body, from the bone structure to the antibodies that fight disease. Although often touted as being an aid to weight loss, any unused proteins can be converted to fat.

  As well as being a natural and health science teacher, D.F. Glover is the name behind DavidHealth Membership, a free membership where you receive regular nutritional tips and advice, access health related software and downloadable books, all totally free of charge. Your Text Here