1. The Body’s Building Blocks
Protein
The Body’s Building Blocks

2. What is Protein?
Protein is an energy supplying nutrient made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. The nitrogen is what makes it different from carbohydrates and fats.
Proteins are formed from the combining of 20 different amino acids into different combinations and patterns.
There are at least 30,000 different types of proteins with a specific job or function, DNA is one of them.

3. Functions of Protein
Build and maintain tissues – protein is needed to form the structure of muscles, organs, skin, blood, hair, nails, and every other body part.
Make important compounds – these compounds include enzymes, which cause specific chemical reactions in the body. (example – digestive enzymes)

4. Function of Protein (cont.)
Regulate mineral and fluid balance – help carry sodium and potassium from one side of cell walls to the other.
Maintain acid-base balance – maintains the correct level of acidity of body fluid.
Carry vital substance – helps transport fats, iron and other nutrients, and oxygen through the body.

5. Function of Protein (cont.)
Provide Energy – If carbohydrates and fats are lacking in the diet, the body will use proteins as an energy source.

6. Food Sources of Protein
Animal Sources: Animal flesh is the largest source of protein in a meat-eating culture. Although meat is an excellent source of protein, some meat products are high in fat.
* Source of Complete Proteins
Plant Sources: Protein is found in grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes (peanuts, kidney beans, lentils, chickpease, etc.)
* Source of Incomplete Proteins

7. Types of Vegetarianism
Vegans – no food from any animal sources
Lacto-vegetarians – eat dairy products, but no meat products or eggs
Lacto-ovo vegetarians – dairy products and eggs, but no meat products
Semivegetarians – eat dairy, eggs, poultry, and seafood, but no red meat

8. Reasons for Vegetarianism
Religious reason
Health reasons
Socioeconomic reasons
Environmental reasons
Humanitarian reasons
* Vegetarians must be sure to choose Complementary proteins.

9. The RDA for Protein 14 – 18 year-old males : 52 grams
14-18 year-old females: 46 grams
10-35% of your calories should come from protein. Example: a young woman who needs 2,400 calories a day should eat a minimum of 240 calories from protein.
Follow the food guide to ensure you get enough the RDA of protein.

10. Risks of too little protein
Negative nitrogen balance
Protein-energy malnutrition
Kwashiorkor – child does not reach full growth potential, common in poor cultures
Marasmus – muscles and tissues begin to waste away, child becomes thin, weak, and susceptible to infection and disease

11. Excess proteins in diet
Liver and kidney problems
Calcium Loss
Excess body fat