Overview
Protein consists of multiple polypeptides, which form by connecting hundreds or thousands of amino acids.
In simple words, the amino acids form the polypeptides that make up the proteins.
The human body contains 20 amino acids that are necessary to synthesize protein. Some of these amino acids are produced by your cells (i.e., non-essential amino acids), whereas others can only be obtained through your diet (i.e., essential amino acids).
In this article, we will briefly cover the reasons we need proteins, as well as the benefits of consuming a protein-rich diet.
Why do we need protein?
Protein is vital for life. It is the building block for most of the structures that make us who we are.
Here are some essential components of the human body that are completely or partially made of proteins:
- Collagen
- Keratin
- Elastin
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Bones
- Muscles
Moreover, enzymes that make every biochemical reaction in the cell possible are proteins. In fact, many rare diseases occur because of protein misfolding, which interferes with the function of enzymes.
In summary, protein is a non-replaceable macronutrient that we cannot survive without. It is one of the indispensable ingredients of life itself.
The benefits of high protein intake
1. Hormonal regulation
When your body has appropriate levels of protein, hormones such as GLP-1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin will get upregulated, which eventually leads to the suppression of ghrelin.
Ghrelin is responsible for triggering hunger feelings, which explains why high protein intake reduces caloric intake (you’ll be full all the time).
Hormonal regulation will also contribute to muscle hypertrophy when you engage in resistance training.
2. The high thermic effect
The energy required to digest protein is multiple times that of other macronutrients.
This means that whenever you consume protein-rich foods, you’ll be burning calories in the process, which eventually contributes to weight loss.
3. Prevention of metabolic slowdown
The slowdown of basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a normal process that occurs as we age.
Fortunately, protein will stimulate the right metabolic cascades to keep your liver and skeletal muscles functioning at peak performance, reducing caloric intake and maintaining a fast metabolism.
4. No more late-night cravings
In one study, researchers compared a normal diet to a high-protein diet in overweight men to see which one contributes more to weight loss.
The results of the study showed that the group of men who consumed large amounts of protein had a 60% decrease in late-night cravings of food.
Note that researchers settled for 25% protein intake from the total daily calories, which is not above the recommended ratio.
Takeaway message
Protein is a vital macronutrient that mediates numerous functions in the body, such as building muscles, losing fat, and ensuring biochemical reactions.
Hopefully, this article managed to convince you of how important protein is and its role in regulating a myriad of reactions.
