Click Here to Sign Up for Your Free Fitness and Health Magazine Subscription

The Definition Of Protein

Protein is a large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order determined by the base sequence of nucleotides in the DNA coding for the protein.

Protein is something the body both is and cannot remain without. Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs.

Each protein has unique functions. Proteins are essential components of muscles, skin, bones and the body as a whole. Examples of proteins include whole classes of important molecules, among them enzymes , hormones, and antibodies.

Protein is one of the three types of nutrients used as energy sources by the body, the other two being carbohydrate and fat. Proteins and carbohydrates each provide 4 calories of energy per gram, while fats produce 9 calories per gram.

The word "protein" was introduced into science by the great Swedish physician and chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius (1779-1848) who also determined the atomic and molecular weights of thousands of substances, discovered several elements including selenium, first isolated silicon and titanium, and created the present system of writing chemical symbols and reactions.

Protein is the main component of muscles, organs, and glands. Every living cell and all body fluids, except bile and urine, contain protein. The cells of muscles, tendons, and ligaments are maintained with protein. Children and adolescents require protein for growth and development.

Today's protein powders, meal replacements, and protein bars have been marketed as protein sources far superior to regular food, but they are not. In fact, if you are not seeing results, it might be because your muscle is lost from dieting on poor supplements and other products.

Click Here to Sign Up for Your Free Fitness and Health Magazine Subscription

Home | Articles | Resources

All information presented throughout this web site is for educational purposes only; statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.