Protein Flashcards
How many essential amino acids are there?
8
What is protein?
It’s a macronutrient needed by all animals
What are protein molecules made up of?
Amino acids
How many amino acids are there?
At least 20
When we eat protein molecules what happens?
Our body breaks them up (digests them) into individual amino acids and makes new protein molecules for our bodies use
Why are proteins so important?
Because some of the 20 amino acids cannot be made in the body
Where does the protein we need come from?
Our diet
What are essential amino acids
Ones we have to consume in our diet as our body does not make them
How many essential amino acids are there?
8
And at least 2 extra needed for children as they are growing
What’s it called when a protein food contains all essential amino acids?
High biological value (HBV) proteins
Why are these great value to our body?
Because it doesn’t have to make these amino acids from what we eat
What are protein foods called when they are missing one or more of the essential amino acids?
Low biological value (LBV) proteins
What is a protein complementation?
When you eat a variety of different LBV proteins the essential amino acids that are missing in one will be provided by another LBV protein
Therefore you can then get all amino acids you need
What is proteins 3 main functions in the body?
To make the body grow
To repair the body
To give the body energy
What natural substances in the body are made from proteins?
Hormones
Enzymes
Antibodies
