6 Significant Functions of a Protein-Rich Diet

Protein is significant for the good health of the body. Proteins are comprised of the amino acids, which are joined with each other and form a long chain. There are almost 20 amino acids, which help in the formation of numerous proteins within the body. Proteins are responsible for doing the work within the cells, and they perform a number of other jobs.
Given below is a list of the important functions of a protein-rich diet.

What is Protein?

Protein is a vital macronutrient for the body. It is used by the body for building, repairing and maintaining the body tissues. Proteins are present in every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies. The building blocks of protein are of amino acids, that is proteins are made up if amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids. These amino acids join together to make all different types of protein. Nine amino acids are known as the essential amino acids, because they are not made by the body and must be consumed from food into the body. The other 11 amino acids are produced by the body and are known as the nonessential amino acids.

The proteins in our bodies always being broken down and need to be replaced. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, the body does not store amino acids. Therefore, the body needs regular supply of amino acids to make new proteins. The protein in the foods we eat is broken down into amino acids that can be used to replace the proteins in our bodies. This is why you need to learn about the various functions of a protein-rich diet

7 Significant Functions of a Protein-Rich Diet

Protein performs many essential functions in the body. Hence, an good amount dietary protein intake is crucial for building, maintaining and repairing the body tissues. Thus, you need to make sure your diet is protein-rich.

Here are the significant functions of a protein rich diet:

1. Growth as well as maintenance

Your body is known to require proteins for the growth as well as maintenance of each and every tissue. Under any normal circumstance, your body is responsible for breaking a similar quantity of protein, which it is using for building and repairing the tissues. At some other times, it can also break more proteins, in comparison to what it is creating. This is responsible for increasing the needs of the body. This happens mostly during any kind of illness, when you are pregnant, or when you are breastfeeding your kid.

2. Responsible for certain biochemical reactions

The enzymes are the protein bodies, which help numerous biochemical reactions, which are taking place both inside as well as outside the body cells. Enzymes have a unique structure, which helps them in combining with various molecules, which are responsible for catalyzing the reactions that are significant for the metabolism of the body. Enzymes can also function outside your cells, like the digestive enzymes, which include sucrose and lactase. The body functions, which are responsible for depending on the enzymes normally include:

Digestion
Production of energy
Clotting of blood
Contraction of muscles

An improper function of all the enzymes can lead to unwanted diseases.

3. Acts as an important messenger

Few of the proteins are also hormones, which are basically the chemical messengers, which help in taking care of the communication between the cells, organs, and tissues. Hormones are of three categories, which include the amines, steroids, and the protein and peptides.

4. Provide a proper structure

Few of the proteins have fibers, and they are responsible for providing rigidity and stiffness to the cells. These proteins are known to include elastin, collagen, as well as keratin, and they are responsible for forming the framework of a few significant structures within your body. Keratin is the structural protein, which is found in the nails, skin, and hair. Collagen is found in the bones, skin, ligaments, and tendons.

5. Maintains the proper pH

Protein is known to play one of the most significant roles in the regulation of the concentrations of certain acids as well as bases within the body. The constant pH balance is significant within the body because any change can be deadly.

6. Balances the fluids

Proteins also play a significant role in maintaining the fluid balance within the body. Globulin and albumin, present within the body help in maintaining the fluid balance by not only attracting but also retaining water. Not eating enough proteins will lead to the levels of globulin and albumin to decrease.

7. Forms antibodies in the body

Proteins are used to form antibodies in your body. These antibodies are important to fight any infection which invades the body. Antibodies work by neutralizing the infectious antigens and also aids the body to fight against the disease. The ability to form antibodies is an essential function of a protein-rich diet. So, you need to add proteins in your diet, because protein-rich diet foods will boost your immune system.

Great sources of protein include:

Meats, poultry, and fish
Milk and dairy products
Eggs
Beans and soya beans
Legumes
Broccoli
Almonds
Oats.

Conclusion

It is crucial that you have proper knowledge about the functions that proteins perform on your body. Ensure that you are consuming a protein-rich diet in order to ensure that the functions are carried on in a proper manner.