Proteins are chains of polymers that are composed of amino acids. These amino acids are connected together by peptide bonds and can be classified into essential and non-essential amino acids. The essential ones are not all manufactured by the body and can only be obtained by consuming foods that contain them. Amino acids essential to the body which can be obtained from food are arginine, asparagines, cysteine, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glycine and serine.

What Protein Does for the Body

As soon as protein rich foods are consumed, digestion breaks down these foods with the aid of the enzyme protease. Protease break down protein to create smaller polypeptides which then become a source of amino acids, both essential and non essential. Once protein has been converted to amino acids, these are then used as a precursor to vitamins and nucleic acids.

Protein, aside from water, composes a majority of the body because it is needed for maintenance and growth. Also, membranes in the body utilize glycoproteins. Amino acids are also needed for hormones to be created. These hormones then aid in the regulation of the body’s metabolism and other functions. Hormones also boost the body’s immune system. Lastly, protein is an important component in the formation of blood cells.

What Happens When the Body Already Has Excessive Protein?

Although protein is an important nutrient for the body, taking it in excess also has negative effects and is therefore not advisable. Excessive levels of protein in the body results in an excretion of amino acids to the liver. The body will not be able to store the excess protein. The excess amino acids undergo deamination wherein nitrogen from these amino acids are converted to ammonia and then converted to urea. Urea is then excreted by the kidneys. For a person with a kidney disease, an excessive protein intake puts a heavy workload on both the liver and the kidneys, pushing these organs to work double time. Kidney stones may also develop from having too much protein in the body. Excessive protein can cause an increase in the level of calcium excreted through the urine in order to maintain pH balance. Also, excess proteins in the body are converted into fat.

Sources of Protein in Food

There are a wide variety of foods that are a rich source of protein. Generally, meat products like beef, pork, chicken and fish are very good sources of protein. Dairy products and eggs are also good sources for protein, as well as seeds and nuts and legumes.