In addition to carbohydrates and fats, proteins are also macronutrients. You can find out what they are all important for in your body here.
1. WHAT ARE PROTEINS?
Proteins, often called protein, belong together with fats and carbohydrates to the macronutrients . Unlike the other two proteins, however, within our cellular metabolism is primarily not for the responsible energy production. Boost immunity is really very necessary in current pandemic situation due to Covid-19. We should also fulfill the SOPs to remain save like use of personal protective equipment as well as masks etc.
In fact, proteins are involved in a variety of vital metabolic processes. But what are proteins made of? The protein actually has a very interesting characteristic structure: A protein consists of two amino acids that are chemically bound to one another.
In this way, the amino acids can form long, flexible chains, which are known in technical terms as peptide bonds. Proteins are by no means just long, fixed associations of cell material.
We now know about the structure of proteins that it contains, among other things, precisely constructed moving parts that can trigger specific chemical reactions [1].
2. WHAT DOES YOUR BODY NEED PROTEINS FOR?
Proteins are incredibly versatile . That may make the question "What is a protein?" A little more complex than expected. After all, proteins can not only build and break down cells , they can even initiate communication between cell groups !
In this way, proteins can perform many different functions for our body. Depending on what the specific function of a protein is, there are even different types of proteins:
So-called structural proteins give the cells their shape . The best known representatives of this protein group are collagen , elastin and keratin . Collagen in particular runs through the entire body as a structuring element: in addition to skin and connective tissue , it also supports the normal function of the joints , ligaments and tendons .
Transport proteins, on the other hand, are used to transport specific substances (usually fat or oxygen). The destination of this process is usually within the same cell or in the immediate vicinity of the cell. In rare cases, however, it can also be far away from the first cell. This type of protein mainly includes myoglobin , albumin and hemoglobin .
Storage proteins help the body to store vital substances . The best-known representative of this protein class is ferritin , which is responsible for the storage of the mineral iron .
Contractile proteins, for example, ensure that the muscles can contract. In addition to myosin , actin and dynein also belong to this class. With their help, we can move, coordinate and stretch.
As the name suggests, protective proteins support our body in triggering protective mechanisms. In the blood, for example, they help in the formation and activation of antibodies for immune defense and in the form of fibrinogen also for blood clotting .
Some hormones also belong to the protein class. So-called proteohormones such as insulin or ghrelin have a regulatory role in various vital processes. This is how insulin regulates blood sugar levels , while ghrelin controls the balance between hunger and satiety . Within the class of proteohormones, the
hormones are further differentiated based on the length of their molecular chains.
In most cases, enzymes are also proteins. They act as so-called biocatalysts , which are primarily responsible for triggering certain chemical reactions in the body . While some enzymes have a very specific function, others can participate in different types of reactions.
Incidentally, the amino acids necessary for protein formation form a separate class of proteins. As you already know, they are important for the formation of long-chain protein molecules. In our diet, the 9 essential amino acids are particularly important because we cannot produce them ourselves or store them over a longer period of time.
3. HOW MUCH PROTEIN YOU NEED EVERY DAY
The German Society for Nutrition recommends a daily protein intake of 0.8 g per kg body weight for healthy adults [2]. The daily protein requirement for children and adolescents is somewhat higher : To support normal growth, they need 0.9 g per kg of body weight .
Also, pregnant and lactating women have an adequate supply of nutrients for the embryo or infant higher amount of protein record: The daily recommendation here rises by about 20 to 30%.
Another special group are athletes . Because of their increased muscle load , a significantly higher daily protein intake is often recommended: Depending on the type of sport and training goal , the ideal amount of protein can increase to 1.3 to 1.8 g per kg body weight [3].
