Did you know that haemoglobin, a primary carrier of oxygen in the blood, is in fact a protein? While we may have a basic knowledge of what protein is, and how important it is for a balanced diet, how well do we truly understand its role in our keeping our body fit?
Protein comprises long chains of amino acids, and is also crucial to our body’s growth, strength, and its recovery. It can be structural (like collagen), or hormonal (like insulin), and can also operate as a carrier (like haemoglobin) or enzymes, which are catalysts and allow our bodies to generate chemical reactions and stimuli to our surroundings. Protein can also act as a neurotransmitter. Aesthetically, it is also vital for the development of our muscles, skin, bones, and hair, hence constituting an indispensable component of our healthy diet.
The recommended daily intake, or Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) of protein is 0.8 gm per kg of our body weight. This amounts to 56 gm per day for an average adult man, and 46 gm per day for the average adult woman. For a good health and to meet daily intake, only about one calorie out of every 10 we consume, needs to come from protein. A plant-based diet comprising vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds can easily fit in to meet our protein requirements. Most of these food groups are protein-rich and can adequately meet the suggested intake.