Power Of Protein 8 April, 2015 Power of Protein… Protein is a most powerful Nutrient & is present in every cell, tissue & organ. Protein plays a major role in maintaining the body, repairing, healing & growth- especially in children. There are two types of Protein -non essential amino which the body can make -essential amino acids which the body cannot make – they are essential as the body requires them on a daily basis through diet. Once protein is eaten & digested it is then broken up into Amino Acids. Amino acids are crucial to health amino acids combine in different formations in order to produce protein in the body. Protein comes from different sources - Animal protein is known as Complete Protein as it contains all of the essential Amino Acids. Eating a variety of protein sources will offer your body a sufficient supply of protein. Vegetarians can gain protein from a plant based diet. RDA of protein varies from person to person. A rough guide would be: Adults 45-55 grams of protein per day School Children under the age of 12 – – 20-35 grams of protein per day Babies 10grams of protein per day If we did not have Protein in our diet the body would have to break down muscle in order to access much needed protein in order to carry out daily functions. Bones & organs would also be at risk. Protein is essential in maintaining balance of fluids in the body without such maintenance fluid may collect in other parts of the body such as legs & ankles. -Hair may become brittle or fall out -Fatigue -Difficulty Sleeping -Headache -Mood Swings -Weight Loss -Nausea & Stomach Pain Eating protein on a daily basis can improve body composition, increase Satiety, Immunity, reduce Body Fat, Improve overall Heart health. Improves Brain function. Improves blood pressure. Fluid balance, Improves sleep. & A Reduced risk of chronic illness. Some Facts… Muscle is built & Repaired by training hard & eating protein on a daily basis Eggs contain the highest quality protein One single chicken fillet holds roughly 45-55% grams of Protein – your daily quota right there. Plant protein is just as rich as animal sourced protein. Plant proteins come with added benefits such as vitamins, antioxidants & fibre. #lifespan of proteins is 48hours or less. Quinoa contains all nine Essential Amino Acids – making it a complete protein High Protein diet aids in weight loss as protein foods offer satiety which in turn prevents snacking. The body burns more calories in digesting protein foods. Good sources of protein – Lean meats (non processed) Dairy, Beans, Fish, Vegetables – Dark Greens, Nuts, Seeds, Wholegrains, Soya, Quorn. My Favourite Protein mix – Pancakes 1 Banana 1 Egg 2 Egg Whites Blend & pour into a hot pan ( I use coconut oil) Allow pan-cakes to cook for 2-3 minutes on either side Serve with berries & plain yoghurt YUM L,x