6 Crucial Roles Of Protein

1. 6 Crucial Roles Of Protein It is not unknown that protein is essential for regular bodily functions. Infact, the word protein comes from the Greek word that means primary/first. The food and the nutrition industry had convinced us to buy high protein snacks that are probably overpriced or loaded with harmful additives. However, it is important to understand proteins in depth to make the right decisions. 1. Providing structure Proteins are of various kinds. Some kinds of fibrous proteins give the required strength and stiffness to cells and tissues in your body. Some fibrous proteins are keratin, collagen, and elastin. These are the names that have gained quite momentum in the hair and skin industry because they help maintain the form of hair and skin cells that improves their appearance. 2. Supports healthy immune function Your immune system creates antibodies that fight different kinds of infections and pathogens. In the absence of antibodies, invading pathogens can multiply and make us fall sick. Our immune cells have memory, and once they learn to form specific antibodies for specific pathogens, they always recreate them and fight whenever they encounter them in the future. This formation of antibodies requires proteins. Therefore, during the global health crisis, there was a lot of emphasis on consuming protein. 3. Maintenance of tissues Protein is imperative for the growth of the body. Our body constantly breakdowns and builds cells and tissues. This is a regular process. Protein is that building block that aids this entire process. Therefore, athletes require more protein because their muscles undergo more wear and tear than regular. It is for this very reason that workout protein bar gained popularity. 4. Aids in biochemical reactions Our day-to-day bodily functions like digestion, energy production, and various others involve numerous biochemical processes and reactions. These reactions require enzymes that act as catalysts. Enzymes are essentially proteins. Different enzymes play different roles and some may even require other molecules like vitamins to complete the reaction. 5. Sustains the regular pH balance

2. Our body contains various acids and bases that need to be at a certain pH for the reactions to take place smoothly. There are various buffering mechanisms in our body that help regulate and control the pH. Proteins play an important role in regulating these buffering systems. Every single minute, your body undergoes hundreds of changes that you aren’t even aware of. Every nutrient plays a vital role in these functions. 6. Providing energy You’ve always known that carbohydrates provide energy. However, the amount of calories in a single gram of carbohydrates is almost to that of protein. The primary source of energy of our body is carbohydrates and fats. Our body hardly ever depends on proteins for energy because proteins already have various functions to do. However, in the state of fasting, when your body can no longer find carbs, it breaks down protein for energy. This also happens when you workout and don’t consume enough calories or hydrate enough. Therefore it is crucial to read the information and ingredients on even the best protein bars before purchasing.