The most famous benefit of protein is its muscle and human power function. Protein is one of the substances needed by the body. Many people switch their carbohydrate menu to protein.
This step is usually done to form a better body physique and reduce the amount of fat in the body. Even some people also start a diet with foods that contain high protein. So, is protein beneficial for our body? The following are important facts about protein and its benefits.
Facts about the Power of Protein for the Body
Protein is one type of substance needed by the body, even by all cells in the body. The body needs protein to develop and repair body tissues, including parts of the nails and hair. In addition, protein is also needed to produce hormones, enzymes, and various types of chemicals needed by the body. Protein also has a very important role in forming muscles, bones, skin, and blood.
Why The Body Needs Protein
When compared with fat and carbohydrates, the body requires more protein. Protein is included in the macronutrient group. The body cannot store proteins such as fats and carbohydrates. That’s why the body always needs protein intake. Everyone has different protein needs. All of these are determined based on age and activity. At the same time, pregnant women need 75 grams of protein per day.
Protein is one of the most important substances for living things. Protein controls growth and strength building. In addition, The body cannot store protein in the body, so protein intake must be sufficient according to needs. Proteins are known in several forms of amino acids. The following are some types of amino acids found in protein food sources.
- Essential Amino Acids. An essential amino acid is a type of amino acid that cannot be synthesized in the body. These amino acids must be obtained from food sources. Some types of essential amino acids are isoleucine, valine, threonine, lysine, leucine, methionine, tryptophan and phenylalanine.
- Non Essential Amino Acids. Non-essential amino acids are types of amino acids that can be obtained or produced by the body. Some of these amino acids, such as hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, come from food. Several types of non-essential amino acids needed by the body are cysteine, alanine, cystine, arginine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, serine, proline, glutamine and tyrosine.
Protein Digestion Process in the Body
Protein is processed in the body when it enters the stomach or the digestive tract in the stomach. Protein will be read by acid and processed with the help of enzymes.
Protein will enter the small intestine included in the type of single amino acid group that the blood will absorb. The blood will need all types of protein that are not processed by enzymes indigestion. Here are the benefits of protein for the body and various health needs and other pregnant women.
1. Protein for Fetal Formation
Protein is useful throughout pregnancy to help build the growth of various organs such as the brain, respiratory system, bones, muscles and bodybuilding system. Adequate protein during pregnancy will help pregnant women have healthy babies and are not malnourished. Protein requirements for pregnant women are about 75 grams per day. This need must be fulfilled from various types of food so that the body of pregnant women and the fetus is healthy.
2. Protein Reduces Depression
Throughout pregnancy, the body of pregnant women requires very important nutrients. Protein will be increasingly needed in the last trimester to prevent depression due to fatigue or pregnancy conditions that are getting worse. Protein intake must also be balanced with omega 3 fatty acids, supporting brain intelligence and nerve function.
Good for reducing depression:
3. Protein for the Maintenance of Body Cells
Protein is also very important to maintain healthy body cells. During pregnancy, pregnant women need a higher amount of protein than ordinary women. Protein is an excellent intake for producing and replacing dead body cells. With enough protein, pregnant women can stay healthy throughout pregnancy.
Good for cell maintenance:
4. Protein Supports Body Metabolism
Metabolic processes require strong support from protein. Metabolism will form a healthy body because all processes of digestion, absorption of nutrients and processing of various substances that enter the body’s organs can be carried out properly. Metabolism will also support physiological processes so that the body becomes stronger.
Good for the metabolic system:
5. Protein Boosts Immune
Protein is an important substance for increasing immunity. The immune system gets support from various healthy organs; the body can protect against germs, bacteria and parasites. In addition, protein will also increase the ability of the nervous system.
Good for boosting immunity:
6. Protein Generates Energy
Protein is a good substance for the body, especially to help build energy. The body needs various types of foods that contain carbohydrates and fats as energy reserves. But all these processes can not be done without protein. Protein helps the body process energy from calories and various other food sources.
Good for energy sources:
7. Protein Improves Heart Health
Protein is also very important for maintaining heart health. Protein can form special protection for the body by stabilizing the cholesterol content in the body obtained from food. Protein can threaten the type of bad cholesterol that can increase the risk of heart disease. So, protein is important for making the heart health of pregnant women and fetuses better and avoiding various risks of other heart diseases.
Good for heart health:
8. Protein Improves Skin, Hair and Muscle Health
Pregnant women experience many skin, hair, and muscle health problems that are easily tired. Protein will help pregnant women to have elastic and healthy skin that can help mothers face childbirth. Protein also develops very important building blocks, especially for cells that work for hair and skin. Even protein develops substances that are good for improving muscle health, muscle mass and bone strength.
Good for improving skin health
9. Protein Boosts Energy
Protein is needed in large quantities, and protein cannot be obtained from the body. Protein intake will make the body have a lot of energy that can play a role to support various kinds of daily activities. Protein plays an important role in developing memory, memory, and physical activity.
The benefits of protein for the body and health, among others, also impact various body parts; here are its extraordinary properties.
- Media for propagation of nerve impulses
- Speed ​​up biological reactions in the form of enzymes
- Continuing the hereditary nature of genes in the chromosome.
- Regulates the balance of acid levels in the blood
- Muscle cell formation
- Body building substance
- Strengthen new tissue cells
- Helps balance hormone production
- Forming new tissue cells
- prevent kwashiorkor disease and other protein deficiency diseases
The benefits of protein are vital for the body; if you lack protein, there will be effects on your body.
Signs of Protein Deficiency
Without realizing it, our bodies can lack protein. Various types of food consumption that is not balanced will cause the body to experience a protein deficiency. If this happens, then the body will be susceptible to disease, and the body will not be comfortable to use for activities. The following are some of the symptoms caused by protein deficiency.
- The desire to consume excessive sweet foods.
If the body lacks protein, you will automatically want to eat sweet foods. Protein has a very important function to maintain blood sugar levels. Lack of protein can cause you to want to eat more filling. In addition, the body will feel like the desire for excessive water. - Lack of focus brain. If there is a lack of protein, the body will have excessive sugar levels in the blood. This is what causes the brain to lack concentration and usually pregnant women cannot do various activities.
- Hair loss. Protein has an important function to maintain healthy skin and hair. If the body lacks protein, it can cause hair loss and dull skin. This condition will be more severe for pregnant women because it is possible that the fetus will also experience nutritional deficiencies.
- Body Often Feels Weak. Protein has a very important function to build a system of muscle function. Lack of protein can cause the body to become weak and powerless. Pregnant women who experience this condition will feel like a lack of nutrition and lack of enthusiasm.