Yoga, Importance of Proteins

Bob Crowther provides some information, online resources about proteins and their importance to our health, fitness.

The description of the three dimensional double helix structure of DNA by Watson and Crick (1953) led to decades of research about protein synthesis.

Our further understanding of the important biological roles of proteins that include the following:

• cell growth, shape, organization, maintenance and repair

• muscle contraction, connective tissue components

• immune functions (antibodies) and chemical signalling (hormones)      enzymes synthesis / metabolism

• cell membrane permeability: transport, enzyme, receptor and anchor functions

• transport of oxygen in blood; act as a buffer

Proteins, along with carbohydrates and fats, are a source of energy (4 calories from one gram) that fuels the body. 

Unlike carbohydrates and fats, proteins contain nitrogen and have to be consumed through our food sources to maintain normal cell functions and overall health.

We now know the approximately 20 amino acids are the building blocks of proteins - the sequence of amino acids determines the often complex structure of thousands of proteins and their functions. 

Three categories of amino acids (aa) are recognized (see the U.S. Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health):

• Essential aa - those that have to be obtained from food sources

• Nonessential aa - are made in body or from normal protein breakdown

• Conditional aa - are required when ill, experiencing stress

 Our Sources Of Proteins

The United States Department of Agriculture (UDSA) website (ChooseMy Plate.gov ) lists animal and plant sources that include the following: 

meats, poultry, eggs, dairy, shellfish, beans/peas, nuts/seeds, processed soy, seafood (fin/shellfish) 

Learn About 
Animal And Plant Sources Of Protein

Nutritionists and physicians have at times promoted the consumption of trans fats while recommending limiting saturated fats including those in nuts - positions that currently have been reversed (trans fats), being reconsidered (saturated fats). 

Plant sources of healthy fats (in nuts and seeds) are being increasingly recognized as research findings are published.

Consumption of various forms of lean meats are encouraged by some professional groups to decrease various health risks.

The amount of protein required by individuals daily will vary depending on age and physical activities engaged in.

Nutritionists suggest consumption of approximately 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight (0.4 gram/pound) is appropriate for some adults.

Observations About Proteins 

• protein consumed but not immediately used will be metabolized and stored as fat

• too little protein intake will result in the metabolism/loss of the body's muscle 

• burn injury trauma often leads to muscle wasting - upsetting the normal balance the body maintains between synthesis and breakdown

NOTE: The 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for research about "ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation": how the body regulates and removes damaged proteins - a normal cyclical process that if fails to function can lead to uncontrolled cell division (=cancer). 

#Yoga And Nutrition #Proteins #Nutrition