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Protein Defined
The word 'protein' is defined as any of a group of complex high-molecular-weight organic compounds, consisting essentially of combinations of amino acids in peptide linkages, that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur.
Proteins are one of the classes of bio-macromolecules (like polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids), that make up the primary constituents of living things.
The History Of Protein
Proteins were discovered by Jöns Jakob Berzelius in 1838 and are among the most actively-studied molecules in biochemistry. The word "protein" is derived from a Greek word "protas" meaning "of primary importance," because of the fundamental role of proteins in sustaining life.Protein Uses:
The Role(s) of Protein
Protein has many important roles in the body; they are part of every cell: muscles, connective tissue, blood-clotting factors, enzymes, immune bodies, hormones, and bones. Primary roles include:
- Muscle and tissue growth (especially important for children, teens, and pregnant women)
- Muscle and tissue repair
- Regulating the pH, or acid-base balance, in the blood
- Preserving lean muscle mass; especially when on a low carbohydrate diet
- Controlling many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism
- Providing energy when carbohydrate is not available
- Making essential hormones
- Making and enzymes or subunits of enzymes, catalyzing chemical reactions
- Immune function via protein antibodies
- The storage and transport of various ligands
- Maintain body fluid balance through blood proteins, preventing a condition known as edema (buildup of excess fluid outside body cells)
Protein Food Sources
Protein is found in common foods such as:
- Poultry
- Fish
- Meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb and veal)
- Meat substitutes (soy)
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Milk
- Eggs
- Cheese
Protein can also be found, although in much smaller quantities, in some starchy foods and vegetables.
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