Protein Article Research Essay Example
Protein Article Research
SCI/241
September 27, 2012
Roberta Harbison
Protein Article Research
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It is made of different combinations of 20 different amino acids. Protein is found in every cell, tissue, and organ of the body. It is important to consume an adequate amount of protein because our bodies are constantly using the protein we digest to make more amino acids. Some amino acids cannot be produced by the body and it is essential that our diet contain them.
There are different types of protein and they are labeled according to the amount and type of amino acids they contain. The first is known as a complete protein source. Complete protein sources contain all of the essential amino acids. They are also known as high quality proteins. The other is known as an incomplete protein source. This is a protein source that lacks one or more of the essential amino acids. Proteins can be consumed in conjunction in order to make up all of the essential amino acids. This is called complementary proteins. ("Center for Disease Control and Prevention", n.d.).
Finding the proper balance of protein is extremely important for overall health. Eating a diet high in protein poses many health risks. The risk factor for heart disease and cancer is increased when a diet contains too much protein. Animal proteins contain a higher fat content which leads to higher cholesterol which plays a large role in heart disease. Research shows that people who consume a high amount of protein tend to have a higher IGF-1 blood levels which contributes to certain types of cancer. High protein diets often lack calcium intake which requires pulling the existing calcium from the bones. This can result in brittle bones. Another downfall of a high protein diet is the strain that the kidneys must endure to process the excess protein in the body. Organ failure may also occur due to the reduced amount of energy due to low
SCI/241
September 27, 2012
Roberta Harbison
Protein Article Research
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It is made of different combinations of 20 different amino acids. Protein is found in every cell, tissue, and organ of the body. It is important to consume an adequate amount of protein because our bodies are constantly using the protein we digest to make more amino acids. Some amino acids cannot be produced by the body and it is essential that our diet contain them.
There are different types of protein and they are labeled according to the amount and type of amino acids they contain. The first is known as a complete protein source. Complete protein sources contain all of the essential amino acids. They are also known as high quality proteins. The other is known as an incomplete protein source. This is a protein source that lacks one or more of the essential amino acids. Proteins can be consumed in conjunction in order to make up all of the essential amino acids. This is called complementary proteins. ("Center for Disease Control and Prevention", n.d.).
Finding the proper balance of protein is extremely important for overall health. Eating a diet high in protein poses many health risks. The risk factor for heart disease and cancer is increased when a diet contains too much protein. Animal proteins contain a higher fat content which leads to higher cholesterol which plays a large role in heart disease. Research shows that people who consume a high amount of protein tend to have a higher IGF-1 blood levels which contributes to certain types of cancer. High protein diets often lack calcium intake which requires pulling the existing calcium from the bones. This can result in brittle bones. Another downfall of a high protein diet is the strain that the kidneys must endure to process the excess protein in the body. Organ failure may also occur due to the reduced amount of energy due to low