As one of the major macronutrient considered in health and fitness, protein is hugely important when considering a balanced diet. Proteins make up a significant percentage of our total body mass, mostly in the form of skeletal muscle. Proteins can be ingested as either complete protein in the diet or as amino acids that can be used to build new proteins in the body.
Complete protein in our diet is vital, as the body cannot make 8 of the 20 standard amino acids. Therefore, we must have these amino acids in our diet whether that comes from complete protein/amino acid supplements or from whole foods.
When proteins enter the stomach, they are broken down into peptides. These small amino acid chains are then broken down further into single amino acids. Once the protein has been fully digested, the amino acids enter a pool of amino acids. From this pool of amino acids, the body is able to build proteins, produce glucose, make fats or excreted in urine.
Amino acids are taken out of the amino acid pool to make up muscle protein. Specific amounts of each amino acid are used to make up to make the skeletal muscle, so it is vital that our diet fulfils the protein requirements to ensure that muscle proteins can be built after training.
Stay tuned for next week, as we will be making the connection between protein, fats and carbohydrates in terms of energy production.
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