major roles of proteins in the body
Proteins are a macronutrient and thus play vital roles in the human body. They are made up of amino acids that link up together, and the human body has twenty different types of amino acids. Proteins play most of their roles in the cells of the body. The following are major roles of proteins in the body:
- The body requires proteins for the growth and maintenance of the tissues. The health and the activity level determines the demand of proteins by the body.
- Enzymes are proteins found in the body and have a role in facilitating the occurrence of metabolic reactions.
- There are certain types of proteins commonly referred to as fibrous proteins. These have the role of providing strength and structure to the body.
- Proteins have the role of maintaining pH values of the blood and other bodily fluids.
- Proteins have a role of aiding in the formation of antibodies that protect the body against disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
Proteins can provide the body with energy when needed, but a person should not rely on protein as a primary source because of the more critical physiological roles it plays. Due to this, proteins will not supply sufficient energy needed by the body to function. A person should note that proteins prioritize bodybuilding and repair to the supply of energy.
Nutritional experts have stated that high consumption of proteins poses certain health risks that should be known and understood. The following are the disadvantages of too much protein consumption:
- The excess protein consumed is often stored as fat, and this causes excess weight gain. Unhealthy weight gain is associated with diets whereby proteins have replaced carbohydrates.
- Proteins have low fiber content, and thus overconsumption of it often causes constipation.
- The body flushes out excess nitrogen with fluids, and this means that overconsumption of proteins may leave a person dehydrated.
- Too many proteins mean that the kidney will have to do a lot of work getting rid of nitrogen in the blood. This may lead to kidney damage, especially on the once that have had other complications.
There are very few benefits that have been associated with the overconsumption of proteins. Overconsumption of proteins tends to preserve lean muscles effectively. Also, the body maintains body mass as one age.