|
The nine amino acids that must be consumed in the diet from protein sources because the body can't make them. These include histidine, lysine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine, valine, and phenylalanine.
|
|
Protein in the diet can be obtained from meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and grains.
|
|
Protein is found in all cells in the body. It is the cell's major structural component.
|
|
Protein is required to form blood cells in the body. Without it, the human body could not survive.
|
|
Human hair is made from keratin, which is a type of protein. If there are a lot of sulfur links the person's hair will be curly.
|
|
Protein is a macronutrient, which provides energy for the body. Fat and carbohydrates are also macronutrients. Fat provides nine calories per gram, and protein and carbohydrates each provide four calories per gram.
|
|
The recommended daily intake of protein in the diet is between 10-25% of a person's daily caloric intake. Another way to calculate this is to multiply 1 gram of protein x 1 kilogram of body weight.
|
|
Most people get enough protein in their diet, even if they do not eat animal products.
|
|
Weight-lifters and very athletic people may require additional protein in their diet, due to increased muscle mass and energy requirements. This is still being debated as too much protein can also be damaging to the body.
|
|
Protein deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues such as kwashiorkor, decreased immune function, edema, thinning nails and hair, pain in the muscles and joints, and weakness.
|
|
High protein foods include cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, beef, poultry, pork, turkey, tuna, halibut, salmon, navy beans, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, quinoa, and wheat germ.
|
|
Vegetables high in protein include peas, spinach, kale, sprouts, broccoli, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, edamame, potatoes, and avocados.
|
|
When protein function in the body stops working properly this can result in several different diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (the brain looks like sponge).
|
|
People trying to lose weight can help to decrease their cravings by ensuring they are consuming a high quality protein at meals. This can make a person feel fuller longer.
|
|
Eggs appear to have the highest protein rating of any food.
|
|
Poultry, such as chicken or turkey, has more protein than beef.
|
|
Rice is high in protein, and is a staple in many Asian diets.
|
