Requirements of protein by the body

Protein is an essential component required in the correct proportion by the proper functioning of the human body. It helps in generating amino acids, which are required by cells to mend muscles and build new proteins. Amino acids also help to mend skin, organs, blood and bones. Protein is also used by the body to heal cuts and wounds, and it also helps to clot the blood easily. It also helps to build hormones, enzymes and antibodies in the body, which control the various chemical processes that take place in the body. In brief, protein is required for the overall growth of the body.

Different kinds of protein and the richest source of protein in foods

There are twenty-two amino acids, which are very important for the body. The body can make thirteen amino acids and the rest of the nine amino acids come from the protein rich foods. Richest source of proteins are the animal proteins like eggs, meat and milk which are called complete as they consists of all the nine important amino acids. Animal protein is richer in quality than plant protein and can be easily digested. Plant proteins come from grains and legumes. Plant protein or Vegetable protein is considered incomplete because sometimes it does not contain one or two of the amino acids. Soya Milk, red meat, cheese, yogurt, lean meat, fish, peanut butter, nuts and seeds, beans, lentils and tofu are the other rich sources of proteins. There are certain foods available which contains more than one protein like, Cheeseburger, which contains bun, cheese and meat. Other such types of food include, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Cheese Pizza, Tuna Fish Sandwich and Macaroni and Cheese.

Daily requirements of protein

A high protein diet is very useful because it reduces the requirement of food and at the same time the body uses energy to alter protein to carbohydrates. This process is called Gluconeogenesis. Proteins can also be changed to fat and can be stored in the body as carbohydrates. Protein requirements depend on the person's age and also body weight. A child requires 0.5 grams of protein for every 0.5 kilograms they weigh. The requirement of protein increases as the person grows. When the person becomes an adult the requirement of protein evens out. On an average an adult requires about sixty grams of proteins everyday.