Reasons Why We Need Protein In Our Diets

Protein is one of the most versatile nutrients in the diet. The protein that you eat turns into thousands of unique proteins in your body, which perform a wide range of different functions. Without protein in your diet, you would not be able to survive. Because of this, it is vital that you meet your protein needs every day.

Energy

Protein contains 4 calories per gram, so your body can use it as a source of energy. When you do not eat adequate amounts of carbohydrates or fats, your body begins to break down protein. Most of the protein that you use for energy comes from your muscles. Because of this and the fact that protein plays a number of other important roles, "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake notes that you should not rely on protein as a regular source of energy.

Support

Proteins allow you to stand, move and bend. The most abundant protein in your body, called collagen, connects your joints and other body parts. Actin and myosin, two proteins found in your muscle, allow your muscles to contract so that you can move. Your body breaks down hundreds of grams of protein every day, so eating protein helps replace this lost protein.

Chemical Reactions

Every chemical reaction in your body relies on enzymes, biological substances that speed up reactions. Without enzymes, chemical reactions would occur so slowly that you would not be able to survive. Most of the enzymes in your body are proteins. Many hormones in your body are also proteins. Hormones help control physiological processes by directing the action of enzymes.

Transportation

Specific proteins in your body are classified as transport proteins. These proteins bind to nutrients, oxygen and waste products and carry them into and out of your cells as needed. Without these transport proteins, substances would not be able to pass through your cells. For example, hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that binds to oxygen and carries it to your cells. Without hemoglobin, your cells would become starved of oxygen.

Immune Response

When you are exposed to foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, your body sends out proteins called antibodies. These antibodies attack the foreign substance in an attempt to destroy it so that it cannot cause harm to your body. Without these antibody proteins, your body would be vulnerable to diseases and infections.