Proteins are present in every cell in our body and they play an essential role in the regeneration of almost everything! They are responsible for the repair of cells and tissues, as well as the renewal of nails and skin. It is important to understand that proteins are the building materials of our body and play a major role in muscle growth.
Proteins are made up of a collection of amino acids, which means they break down into amino acids in our body. Proteins of animal origin are considered “complete” because they contain all the essential amino acids. On the other hand, proteins of plant origin are called “incomplete” because they lack one or more essential amino acids. This is why it is important to vary the sources of plant proteins in order to obtain a complete chain of amino acids.
Essential amino acids are so named because our body is not able to produce them naturally and we must find them in our diet.
It is important to note that unlike other macronutrients, our body cannot store protein. This is why we must consume it daily, and it is recommended to add a source of protein to each meal.
Interesting fact: A meal high in protein can increase your basal metabolism by 25% to 30%, compared to an increase of only 4% for a meal high in carbohydrates or fat. In other words, increasing your protein intake in your diet can increase your body's calorie expenditure, which is beneficial for reducing fat stores.
References:
- Leidy HJ, et al. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(6):1320S-1329S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.084038 (The role of protein in weight loss and weight maintenance)