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Without protein in the diet, our body would begin to cannibalize itself, slowly devouring the existing protein in muscles, bones and the brain. It's not a pleasant experience.

A tid bit or two about protein...

Protein is found throughout the body—in muscle, bone, skin, hair, and virtually every other body part or tissue. It makes up the enzymes that power many chemical reactions and the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. At least 10,000 different proteins make you what you are and keep you that way.

Because the body doesn't store amino acids, as it does fats or carbohydrates, it needs a daily supply of amino acids to make new protein.

The Harvard Nutrition Source says in terms of protein you should pay attention to what type of food you are relying on for the benefits. When choosing protein-rich foods, pay attention to what comes along with the protein. Vegetable sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains, are excellent choices, and they offer healthy fiber, vitamins and minerals. The best animal protein choices are fish and poultry.

With all that being said it is also important to know there is a downside to eating TOO much protein. Digesting protein releases acids that the body usually neutralizes with calcium and other buffering agents in the blood. Eating lots of protein, such as the amounts recommended in the so-called low-carb or no-carb diets, takes lots of calcium. Some of this may be pulled from bone. Following a high-protein diet for a few weeks probably won't have much effect on bone strength. Doing it for a long time, though, could weaken bone.

Labels: bone strength, diet, protein

Amino acids are nitrogen-containing compounds that occur naturally in the body and are essential to good health.

Eight of the 20 commonly known amino acids are needed to maintain a healthy metabolism, promote tissue repair and growth, protect nerves and synthesize the protein needed to build lean muscle. Unfortunately, your body doesn't produce the essential eight. You must obtain these through diet.

Figures, right?

So what do you need to eat to get the essential 8?

Animal foods will contain all eight essential amino acids, but most plant foods lack in one or more. Meat in general is a good source of protein, with a full mixture of all the essential amino acids. However, it can be high in fat. Try to select lean cuts such as top round and sirloin. Poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes (dry beans or peas such as lentils, chickpeas and kidney beans) are also good sources of protein.

To give you an idea of the amount of protein you can find in certain foods, check out the following list:

1 cup milk…8 grams

1 ounce cheese…7 grams

1 ounce meat…7 grams

1 egg…6 grams

½ cup legumes…7 grams

2 tablespoons peanut butter…8 grams

¼ cup nuts…6 grams

½ cup cooked non-starchy vegetable…2 grams

1 serving of grain (1 slice bread, ½ bun, 1 c. dry cereal, 1 small muffin)…3 grams

And there's the lesson for the day. =o)

Labels: amino acid, diet, protein