The importance of protein!
Proteins can not be replaced by any other component of food. They are the basic building material of all cells, tissues and organs and are involved in all vital processes of the body - growth, development, metabolism, muscular and mental activity, reproduction. Proteins are a major supplier of energy for the body. 1 g od protein contains 4 kilocalories of energy.
The need of each individual of proteins depends on age, gender, body weight, physiological condition and characteristics of labor. Energy imports of protein should constitute 10-15 per cent of total food energy per day.
Foods that are a source of proteins may be of vegetable and animal origin. The quality of the protein, which is adopted is crucial for the proper functioning of the body. It depends on the absorption of dietary protein which varies from 75 to 98 percent.
Milk and milk products import into the organism most complete and easily digestible protein. Other sources of protein are eggs, meat, fish, cereals, legumes and nuts. Proteins of animal origin have the highest biological value. These proteins contain a balanced relationship of essential amino acids, while in vegetable origin proteins, one or more essential amino acids are scarce.
