Protein: Benefits, Deficiency & 20 High Protein Foods

Proteins have enormous benefits for the human body. Protein content in the human body reaches 1/6 of the human body weight. Protein is essential for the development of every cell in the body and also to maintain immunity. As one of the nutrients that are needed by humans, protein is very important in growth period. Adequate protein intake can also help in the process of wound healing, cell regeneration to regulate the hormones and enzymes in the body.

What is protein?
Protein comes from the Greek word protos meaning "most important", is a complex organic compounds of high molecular weight which are polymers of amino acid monomers linked together by peptide bonds. Protein molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulfur and phosphorus. Protein plays an important role in the structure and function of all living cells and viruses.


Protein has a very important role in the function and structure of all living cells. This is because the protein molecule has a content of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur. Some proteins also contain phosphorous. The protein also has a major function in the body to form a network with the amino acid content. Protein deficiency in children can lead to impaired growth. In addition, protein deficiency can also cause diseases such as kwashiorkor and marasmus.

Protein functions in the human body
Protein is one of the main sources of energy, along with other energy sources like carbohydrates and fats. However, the energy of the protein is too expensive when compared to energy from carbohydrates. So it becomes uneconomical if, most of the energy needed by the body comes from protein. Energy from carbohydrates is much cheaper and easy to obtain, compared to energy derived from protein. Protein serves as a builder substance, which functions in the growth and maintenance of tissues, replacing cells that have died and worn used as a structural protein.

Protein function in the body's defense mechanisms against a variety of microbes and other toxic substances that come from the outside and enters the body. As a regulator of protein function in the regulation of metabolic processes in the form of enzymes and hormones. Metabolic processes or biochemical reactions on the set and take place enzyme regulation. While the enzyme activity regulated by hormones again, so that happens a harmonious relationship between metabolic processes with each other.

Protein deficiency signs and symptoms

Although the body produces its own protein, protein sources from food are still needed, especially for people who are busy and lack of rest. When there is a deficiency, the body will use the protein stored in the network, so that in turn will cause a variety of negative effects. Here are some tips to find out if someone deficient in protein or not:

Check your muscles
Muscle in the body is made up from two types of proteins called actin and myosin are working together to allow for movement. This is also the first network targeted by the body when there is a shortage of protein. Muscles that protein deficiency will quickly pain, cramps, and weakness.

Wound healing time
If you happen to have a wound, try to observe the healing time. Collagen is the of protein that makes skin look supple and strong. People who lack of protein often shows slow healing wounds due to a lack of collagen. In addition, the skin is also becomes more sensitive to sunlight and can lead to rashes, dryness, and flaking skin.

Check weight
Weight loss may be good news for people who are on a strict diet. But be aware, because weight loss can also mean a lack of protein, especially when fluctuating weight change. Protein deficiency can lead to edema is characterized by excess fluid in various tissues of the body, especially in the lower legs, causing swelling.

Note the energy levels throughout the day
Fatigue is often seen as a result of overwork, lack of sleep or too much sleep. However, the lack of energy that triggers fatigue, is one of the body's way telling that you protein deficiency.

Check the nails and hair
Hair and nails are made ​​up of a protein called keratin that will be affected in the case of of protein deficiency. Fragile and the emergence of some sort of coating on the nails is a sign of unhealthy nails. Similarly, the hair stops growing, loss, and hair branching is a symptom of protein deficiency that can be observed on the hair.

20 High Protein Foods

1. Eggs
2. Chicken tenderloin (White Meat)
3. Chicken breast (White Meat)
4. Sirloin (Beef)
5. Fresh fish
6. Shrimp
7. Pure milk
8. Snails
9. Soybeans
10. Tofu
11. Yoghurt
12. Almonds
13. Peas
14. Broccoli
15. Tempeh
16. Cheese
17. Spinach
18. Wheat
19. Anchovy
20. Sushi

Subscribe to receive free email updates: