Protein Protein is important in our food because it is the largest part of the Body cells, Body tissues and Body fluids

Protein has multiple functions  Build and repair body tissue  Maintain cell growth  Energy  Aid in formation of enzymes Hormones and antibodies

Must be supplied daily  Constantly needed to replace wear and tear of tissue and keep up protein concentration in the blood serum

Protein provides energy  Can take the place of some fat and carbohydrate  Excess protein converted to energy  Stored as fat

Fats and carbs cannot replace protein  Needed to replace wear and tear of tissue and keep up protein concentration in the blood  Excess protein, once converted to energy, cannot convert back to protein

The best animal sources of protein  Milk  Eggs  Fish  Poultry  Red Meat

Excessive Protein Converted back to energy May do more harm than good Not necessary to eat a lot.

Amino Acids  Building Blocks from which new proteins are made.  There are 22 different ones, but 9 are essential for good health.

Complete Protein  Any food that has all 9 essential amino acids.  All animal proteins are classified as complete proteins.  Support growth and maintenance of body tissue

Complete protein plant sources  Soybeans (tofu)  Quinoa

Incomplete Amino Acids  Provide normal maintenance  Do not support growth  Some plant foods contain protein, but not all essential amino acids  Beans Nuts and grains legumes, peanut butter, peas

Eat a variety of food  Make certain the body gets all the essential amino acids.  Make protein complete Combine plant and animal food Combining plant protein from variety of cereals and grains

Extending Proteins  Chicken and Rice  Chili con carne  Macaroni and Cheese  Tuna Noodle Casserole  Also called “sparing”

Which meals should have protein?  Needed at all meals but especially at breakfast to replenish amino acids used for growth and maintenance during the night.

Protein not immediately needed  Excreted by the body  Converted to Fat and stored in adipose (fat) tissues in body.  Cannot be converted back into amino acids  4 Calories per gram

Insufficient Protein  Lower one’s resistance to disease,  Damage liver  Death  Tiredness  Weight loss  Lack of energy  Stunt growth  Not common in U.S.

Protein needs influenced by  Age  Body Size  Quality of the proteins  Physical state of the person  3-6 ounces per day