Protein is a component that is important for overall health because it is contained in every cell in your body. Starting from your skin, muscles, bones, hair, nails, to other organs in your body, they all contain protein.
Everyone's need for protein depends on many things, especially age and gender. You can also meet your protein needs through many sources, from natural sources such as meat and nuts to synthetic sources such as protein powders and high-protein drinks. an amino acid that makes up thousands of different proteins and most of these proteins do their job in cells.
How much protein do you need?
Protein requirements, in general, are 1.2–1.5 grams/kg/day Specifically, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans classify the amount of a person's daily protein needs based on age and sex, which are as follows. protein requirements humans are about 10-35% of the total calories that enter the body. The amount of protein does not change when you do sports that require increased calories, such as cycling, lifting weights, and running.
- Children under 4 years: 13 grams
- Children 4-8 years old: 19 grams
- Children 9-13 years: 34 grams
- Females 14 years or older: 46 grams
- Men 19 years or older: 56 grams
In order to find the right amount of protein to eat, consult your doctor or nutritionist. The expert will also calculate your needs based on your health condition and the goals of protein needs (for example, to form
In order to find the right amount of protein to eat, consult your doctor or nutritionist. The expert will also calculate your needs based on your health condition and the goals of protein needs (for example, to form muscle mass).
Why should you eat enough protein?
As mentioned earlier, protein plays an important role in body health. The reason is, the function of protein is:
1. Antibodies
Antibodies are substances that can bind foreign particles to the body, such as viruses and bacteria so that they can protect themselves from the disease. An example of this protein immunoglobulin G (IgG).
2. Enzymes
Enzymes ensure that thousands of chemical reactions can occur normally in cells. Enzymes also play a role in the formation of new molecules by reading genetic information stored in DNA. Proteins that have this function include phenylalanine hydroxylase.
3.Conveyor of messages
An example of this protein is a growth hormone that transmits signals to coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues, and organs in the body.
4. Structural components
This type of protein ensures that cells have a normal structure and shape. On a large scale, the job of proteins is to make sure the body can move around seamlessly, just as the protein actin does.
5. As a carrier and storage
This type of protein binds and transports atoms and small molecules in cells throughout the body, as does ferritin.
