Protein - nutrition

The adequate amount of proteins in our diet is very important because all living tissues are partly composed of proteins, some of which are structural, such as collagen, some enzymatic, such as sucrose, and others, such as insulin, which is a hormone. Proteins also define the shape and structure of cells, allowing them to maintain their integrity, control and regulate different functions, and act as protection against external aggressions.

Proteins are large molecules consisting of a large number of simple repeating units, called amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds. They differ from fats and carbohydrates by the nitrogen component.

Amino acids: organic molecules that form the basis of proteins.

Classification of amino acids: They are divided into two groups according to the capacity of our organism to manufacture them or not.

Essential or indispensable amino acids: The organism does not have the capacity to synthesize them, so they must be obtained through food. Examples: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Non-essential amino acids: can be produced by the body.