What is Protein? and why Protein is important for our body?

• Protein is the second most abundant compound in our body after water.
• Protein is an energy source essential for building, repairing, and maintaining tissues.

• Normally, the body breaks down and uses the same amount of protein to maintain tissue. However, at times of illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, injury recovery, and for athletes, the body’s need for protein increases.

• About half of the dietary protein consumed daily is used to create enzymes, which aid in digestion, energy production, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.

• Protein is crucial for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails.
• Structural proteins include keratin (found in skin, hair, and nails), collagen (the most abundant protein in the body, forming bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin), and elastin (highly elastic, found in tissues like the uterus, lungs, and arteries).

• Proteins help maintain proper pH levels in the blood and other bodily fluids. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, binds small amounts of acid, maintaining normal blood pH.

• Proteins and polypeptides make up most hormones in the body, including:
  • Glucagon: Signals the breakdown of stored glucose in the liver.
  • hGH (human growth hormone): Stimulates growth of various tissues, including bone.
  • ADH (antidiuretic hormone): Signals kidneys to reabsorb water.
  • Insulin: Signals the uptake of glucose into cells.
  • ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone): Stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol, (the stress hormone), that regulates body’s stress response.

• Proteins like albumin and globulin help maintain fluid balance by attracting and retaining water.
• Low protein intake can decrease levels of these proteins, leading to fluid imbalance and swelling (edema), especially in the stomach area, a condition known as kwashiorkor.

According to ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) – National Institute of Nutrition, maintaining higher muscle mass improves insulin sensitivity and decreases the risk of diabetes, strokes and heart attacks. Strong and good muscle mass protects joints (hip joint, knee joint) from damage and also delays ageing.