PROTEIN

ProteinGreek word that means “Of Prime Importance”

It is the chief component of EVERY living Cell, of body

tissue, of body fluids, and of muscles

Protein1. Proteins provide 4 calories per gram. 2. The main function of protein is to build

and repair body tissues.• If carbohydrates and fat are not available, your body will use protein.

Is this a good thing? 3. You must eat protein daily to replace

the wear and tear on the body tissues. 4. We get most of our protein from the

Meats and Beans food group.5. We should eat 5 ½ oz. daily from the

Meats and Beans food group.

Must be supplied daily

Constantly needed to replace wear and tear of tissue and keep up protein concentration in the blood serum

Fats and Carbs cannot replace Protein

Needed to replace wear and tear of tissue and keep up protein concentration in the blood

Excess protein, once converted to energy, cannot convert back to protein, that is why we need it every day.

Amino Acids6. Amino acids are the “building

blocks” of protein.

7. There are 9 essential amino acids. 8. Essential means that your body

MUST have them.

The best sources of protein

HIGH = Milk and

Meat group

MEDIUM = Grains and

VegetablesLOW = Fruit

Complete Proteins9. Complete proteins contain all 9 of

the essential amino acids.10.Complete proteins come from

animal food sources. 11.Tofu (from soybeans) is the only

complete protein from a plant source.

Incomplete Proteins12.Incomplete proteins do NOT contain all

of the essential amino acids. 13.Incomplete proteins come from plant

food sources. 14.Examples of incomplete proteins could be:

a. Grainsb. Beansc. Nuts/Seedsd. Ricee. Wheat

Combining Proteins15.Incomplete proteins can be combined to

create a complete protein. 16.Examples include:

a. Beans and Riceb. Peanut Butter and Whole Wheat

Toastc. Bean Soup with a Wheat Roll

Eat a variety of food

Make certain the body gets all the essential amino acids.

Make protein complete◦ Combine plant and

animal food◦ Combining plant

protein from variety of cereals and grains

•

• • •

Protein needs influenced by

AgeBody SizeQuality of the proteinsPhysical state of the

person5 ounces per

day=Girls 6 ½ oz per day= Boys

Higher income = more protein eaten

Find specific recommendation◦Your weight / 2.2 = ? x .8 =?? g/day

Excessive Protein

May do more harm than goodNot necessary to eat a lotObesityKidney malfunction

Insufficient Protein

Lower one’s resistance to disease,

Muscle deteriorationAnemiaHair, skin, and nails are

affectedMental illness can developEdema: accumulation of

fluidStunt growthNot common in U.S.

Protein Deficiency DiseaseMARASMUS

“Starvation”Lack of foodThinWasting awayWise Adults (looks

old)

TYPES OF VEGETARIANVEGANS = Most severe, No

Animal productsLacto vegetarians = will eat

DAIRYLacto-ovo vegetarians = Will eat

DAIRY and EGGS

Advantages of VegetariansLower weightLower cholesterolLower fat and calories

intakeLower risk of diabetes,

obesity, and some cancers

DisadvantagesHigh fiber causes lower mineral

absorptionMay Stunt GrowthBe careful with forcing kids to be

vegetarians

SupplementsHigh toxicity to liverMuscle work builds protein,

Supplements DO NOT