Proteins are nutrients needed for the body to produce essential parts of the body, such as muscles, hormones, tissues, skin and hair.In addition, proteins were neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses that form physical thoughts and controls for the body to move.
Protein is a nutrient found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, as well as plant-based foods such as soybeans, beans, peanuts, sesame and lentils.
Here are 10 reasons to eat protein
Protein is an essential nutrient to maintain and increase muscle mass, because for muscle to develop it is necessary to have, in addition to regular physical activity, an adequate intake of good quality proteins, such as those found in animal foods, such as meat, chicken and eggs.
The amount of protein that must be consumed to increase the level varies depending on the weight, type, and amount of physical activity. See what foods help you gain muscle mass.
The body’s antibodies and defense cells are made of proteins, and without proper intake of this nutrient, the immune system weakens and the body becomes more vulnerable to disease and infection.
In addition to adequate protein intake, other nutrients such as zinc, selenium and omega-3 are also important for maintaining good immunity. See tips to strengthen your immune system.
Proteins are responsible for the formation of collagen, a substance that gives firmness to the skin and prevents wrinkles and expression marks, in addition, keratin, the main component of hair, is also protein, so healthy hair needs this nutrient.
It is important to remember that foods such as meat and eggs, which are naturally high in protein, are primarily responsible for the production of collagen and keratin, so there is no need to focus on dietary supplements or collagen.
Hormones are also substances in the body formed by proteins, so to have a good hormonal balance, it is necessary to consume this nutrient well. Problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome, stress or anxiety can be caused by hormonal changes, and a balanced diet is critical to improving symptoms and treating diseases.
Neurotransmitters like adrenaline and acetylcholine are made up of proteins and are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses that generate thoughts, emotions and controls that move the whole body and function properly.
Protein is the main basis for the formation of new tissues, being necessary to recover problems such as wounds and surgical cuts. They form essential parts of the body, such as blood vessels, connective tissue, cells, collagen and skin, and it is important to have adequate protein intake after major surgery, such as heart surgery and organ transplantation.
Red blood cells, the cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the blood, are made up of proteins, so low intake of this nutrient can cause problems such as anemia, weakness, paleness and unavailability.
In addition to carbohydrates and fats, proteins can also be used as a substrate to produce energy in the body and regulate blood sugar, especially on low-carb diets. Each gram of protein provides 4 kcal, the same amount that carbohydrates provide.
The joints are formed by tendons and have a strong presence of collagen, which acts as a buffer between the bones, avoiding their wear and pain. Therefore, because collagen is composed of proteins, they are also important to maintain good joint health and prevent injuries during exercise, which require many joints. See what it’s for and when to use collagen.
Gastric juice and digestive enzymes are made up of proteins, responsible for the breakdown of food into smaller particles that will be absorbed by the gut.
Além disso, as células do intestino possuem transportadores que são formados por proteínas e que funcionam como portas que permitem a entrada dos nutrientes digeridos no organismo.
The amount of protein needed to be consumed per day varies depending on a person’s weight and physical activity, such as an adult who:
This means that a bodybuilder with 70 kg must ingest 105 ga 140 g of protein, which must be distributed throughout the day to have a good result of maintenance and production of muscle mass. Meets 10 supplements to gain muscle mass.
For more information about protein-rich foods, watch the following video: