1 Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies. Present in all body tissues (such as muscles and skin), proteins make up the second largest portion of our body weight. Only water outweighs proteins, securing the top position of making up about 70% of our body weight.
2 Proteins are like our bodies' superintendents with many responsibilities. They build and repair tissues, fight off infections, and transport oxygen. Together with carbohydrates and fats, proteins are also our bodies' energy source. Just like carbohydrates, proteins generate four calories per gram. Nevertheless, our bodies usually consider proteins the back-up energy providers. Therefore, unless we exclude both carbohydrates and fats from our diet, we don't rely on proteins to get us energized.
3 Proteins are made up of amino acids. With twenty-two different types of amino acids in our bodies, nearly two-thirds (14) are non-essential and the remaining eight are essential. The term "non-essential amino acid" may lead you to believe that it is not important. This perception is incorrect. The fact is we need non-essential amino acids as much as we need essential amino acids in our bodies. So, what is the difference between non-essential amino acids and essential amino acids? "Source" is the answer. Our bodies manufacture non-essential amino acids. Yet, they cannot produce essential amino acids. For us to get essential amino acids, we must eat protein-rich foods, such as poultry and beans.
