Proteins

Proteins are high molecular compounds, which are made up of amino acids that are built up by nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and sometimes sulfur. Each food which contains more than 10 % of protein is referred to as a protein-packed one.

Types of proteins: exchangeable and non-exchangeable

The human body can only synthesize exchangeable proteins so the other type has to be provided by consuming certain type of foods.

Proteins have 5 basic functions, namely:

• Structural;
• Constructive;
• Transporting;
• Endocrine;
• Immunological;

They play a crucial role in building the tissues and organs, producing many enzymes in the mean time, which are accountable for various vital processes in the human body. They also are take part in building the antibodies which protect the organism against health-threatening microorganisms. 

Any deficiency in protein affects the tissues, however the excessive consumption of protein-rich foods slows down the digestive system, resulting in decaying which hinders the normal functions of the kidneys.

Enzymes, the role of which is to break down the proteins, can be produced in the stomach, pancreatic juice as well as in the internal walls of the small intestine.

Types of enzymes:

• Animal (meat, fish, concentrated dairy products, egg yolks);
• Plant  (legumes, nuts and seeds );
• Milk (white and yellow cheese);

Of all these three types of enzymes, animal ones are the easiest to digest. On the whole, enzymes are quite hard to assimilate, so it is important to know how to combine them properly so as to speed up their absorption. 

Summary:

• Proteins are made up of many chemical elements;
• There are two types of proteins: exchangeable and non-exchangeable;
• Their basic functions are as follows: structural, constructive, transporting, endocrine and immunological;
• Proteins play a significant role in building up tissues, organs, antibodies, the latter of which protect the body against dangerous microorganisms;
• Proteins are also divided into animal, plant and milk ones

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