9 important functions of protein for the body

Protein is a very important nutrient for health. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are linked together to form long chains. Proteins participate in most cell functions and perform a variety of tasks. So what does protein do?

The body needs proteins to perform growth function and maintain tissues. However, proteins in the body are always in a constantly changing state.

Normally, the body breaks down a certain amount of protein to build and repair tissues. But sometimes proteins are also used more than usual, causing the body's need for protein supplements to also increase.

This condition is common in people with the disease, pregnant and lactation women. In addition, those who recover from injury or surgery, older adults and athletes also need more protein supplements. These subjects often need the effect of whey protein to replenish protein.

Proteins produce enzymes, which support thousands of bio biomedizing reactions that take place inside and outside the cell. The structure of the enzyme in combination with other molecules inside the cell – called substrate, catalysts the necessary reactions to metabolism.

Some enzymes also work outside the cell, including digestive enzymes such as lactase (which helps to resolve lactose) and sucrase (which helps to hydrolysis sugar). Some enzymes will promote other molecules, such as vitamins or minerals, that make the reaction take place.

The functions of the body that need to depend on the enzyme include:

• Digestion;
• Energy production;
• Blood clots;
• Muscle spasms.

Deficiency of enzymes or enzymes that do not function properly can lead to a number of paths.

Chemically, some proteins are hormones, which support communication between cells, tissues and agencies. The tissues or end noiormonal glands produce hormones, which are then transported by bloodstream to the tissues or targeted muscles. Here the hormone will connect to the protein receptor on the cell surface.

Hormones are grouped into 3 main types:

• Proteins and peptides: Made from a few to hundreds of amino acids, which form a chain;
• Steroids: Produced by fatty cholesterol. Sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) are both steroid-based;
• Amines: Made from individual tryptophan or tyrosine amino acids, which help to form sleep-related hormones and metabolism.

Proteins and polypeptides are the group of hormones that make up the majority of the body, including:

• Insulin: Signals that absorb glucose into cells;
• Glucagon: Signals of glucose decomposition reserve in the liver;
• hGH (human growth hormone): Stimulates tissue growth, including bones;
• ADH (anti-diesth diy hormone): Signals that require the kidneys to re-absorb water;
• ACTH (a renal cori secretion hormone): Stimulates the release of cortisol – a major factor in metabolism.

Some protein structures are fibroblasted, creating a strong hardness for tissues and cells. These proteins include:

• Keratin: Is a protein structure found in the skin, hair and nails;
• Collagen: Is the most abundant protein structure in the body, creating bones, tendons, ligaments and skin;
• Elastin: A few hundred times more flexible than collagen. High elasticity allows more tissue in the body to return to its original shape after stretching or contraction, such as the uterus, lungs and arteries.

Protein plays an important role in regulating acid and base concentrations in the blood and other body fluids. The balance between acids and bases is measured by a pH scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with levels 0 being the strongest acid, 7 being neutral and 14 being the strongest alkali.

Examples of pH values of some common substances are:

• pH 2: Stomach acidity;
• pH 4: Tomato juice;
• pH 5: Black coffee;
• pH 7.4: Human blood;
• pH 10: Magnesium milk;
• pH 12: Soapy water;.

A lot of buffer systems help fluid in the body maintain a normal pH range. This is necessary because even a small change in pH can harm or lead to a risk of death.

Some proteins are also involved in regulating pH levels, such as hemoglobin , a protein that makes up red blood cells. Hemoglobin hemoglobin will be associated with a small amount of acidity, helping to maintain the normal pH value of human blood.

Other buffer systems in the body include phosphate and bicarbonate.

Proteins regulate body processes to maintain fluid balance. For example, albumin and globulin are proteins in the blood, which help maintain fluid balance by collecting and retaining water.

If you do not replenish enough protein, the concentration of albumin and globulin in the body will gradually decrease. As a result, blood cannot be kept in the vessels and fluid accumulates into the gap between the cells. At this time, swelling or edema will appear, especially in the stomach.

This is a severe form of protein malnutrition, called Kwashiorkor edema malnutrition. This happens when a person consumes enough calories but is deficient in protein. Kwashiorkor is rare in developed regions of the world, but is common in poverty zones. Patients may need the effects of whey protein to replenish protein.

Proteins help form immune globulins, also known as antibodies, to fight infections. Antibodies are proteins in the blood, which help protect the body from harmful "invaders" such as bacteria and viruses.

When foreign elements enter the cells, the body produces antibodies to destroy them. Without these antibodies, bacteria and viruses will freely overlap and gradually overwhelm the body, causing infections.

Once antibodies have been created against a particular type of bacteria or virus, the cells will automatically remember this mechanism. As a way, antibodies react faster when an old pathogen enters your body again. Therefore, the body has immunity, fighting diseases that have been exposed.

According to the blood stream, proteins transport nutrients in and out of cells, such as vitamins or minerals, glucose, cholesterol and oxygen.

For example, hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Glucose transporters (GLUT) carry sugar to cells, as well as lipoproteins that transport cholesterol and other fats in the blood.

Each transport protein is specific, binding only to specific substances. In other words, a protein that transports glucose will not be able to do the task of moving cholesterol.

In addition, proteins also have a storage role, for example ferritin helps to store iron. Another storage protein is casein, which is mainly present in milk and helps babies grow.

Proteins can also provide energy to the body. Each gram of protein contains 4 calories, which is equivalent to the level of energy that carbs provide. Meanwhile fat provides the most energy, at 9 calories per gram.

However, protein is the last substance that the body wants to use for energy. This is because proteins also have to participate in many other functions throughout the body. Therefore, the body will prioritize reserves of carbs and fats for use as fuel, creating an active source of energy. Moreover, converted carbs and fats are also more effective than proteins.

In fact, proteins provide the body with very little energy under normal cases. However, in a fasting state (18-48 hours without carbs and fats), the body breaks down the muscle and bones so that the amino acids can provide alternative energy.

The body also uses amino acids from bone muscles if carbohydrate reserves are low. This phenomenon occurs after you exercise at high intensity or when you do not consume enough calories.

Proteins play many roles in the body, helping to repair and build tissues, as well as promoting metabolic reactions that take place. In addition to providing a structural framework for the body, the protein maintains an appropriate pH and fluid balance. Finally, the protein structure keeps the immune system strong, helping to transport and store nutrients, even becoming an emergency source of energy when the body needs it. All these functions make proteins very important for health.

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Source: healthline.com