Everything You Should Know About Protein
July 14, 2009
Proteins are the primary building blocks of all the cells of our body. We need twenty-two amino acids to manufacture proteins in our body. While some amino acids are synthesized in our body, our body could not manufacture several amino acids.
Complete and incomplete proteins
The amino acids, which our body is unable to synthesize, are obtained from our food. Essential amino acids or amino acids not made by our body are divided into two groups – complete proteins and incomplete proteins. A complete protein comprises of all the essential amino acids.
Meat, fish, egg, poultry and dairy products are best sources of complete protein. Incomplete proteins do not contain all the essential amino acids. Proteins obtained from fruits, vegetables, beans and grains are examples of incomplete proteins.
Protein deficiency in vegetarians
Since animal proteins are sources of complete protein and plants contain incomplete proteins, vegetarians often suffer from protein deficiency. Our body often fails to absorb essential vitamins and minerals in the absence of adequate complete protein in out diet.
The risk of malnutrition from complete protein deficiency is highest among vegans, who even stay away from milk and dairy products. Protein deficiency can cause anemia, osteoporosis, fatigue, and slow wound healing and hair loss.
To prevent protein deficiency vegetarians should eat different types of plant proteins, sprouted seeds and nuts in adequate amount.
Good and bad protein
No protein is bad. Protein is tagged as ‘bad’ only when they are contaminated and are accompanied by fats and cholesterol. Antibiotics and hormones used in poultry and livestock farming are hazardous for our health.
Fish bred in contaminated water contain impurities and toxins, which enter our body, causing immense harm. To get good protein, choose animals that have been raised without antibiotics and hormones. They have been fed on natural diets.
Fish caught in the wild are healthier than farmed fish. Do not cook animal protein on very high heat. If protein is accompanied with saturated fats, it is considered bad protein. Hence, we consider lean meats as one of the best source of good protein.
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