What does protein do for your body?

1 Answer
Nov 7, 2016

Proteins are essential to the human body. They are one of the building blocks of body tissues and can be used as a fuel source.

Explanation:

The most essential and defining characteristic of protein from a nutritional standpoint is its amino acid composition.
There are 9 essential amino acids which humans must obtain from their diet in order to prevent protein malnutrition and resulting death.

Asides from water , proteins are the most abundant kind of molecules in the body. It is found in all cells and is the major structural component of all cells in the body , especially muscle.

Protein is a nutrient needed by the human body for growth and maintenance.
Proteins are also used in membranes such as glycoproteins. When broken down into amino acids , they are used as precursors to nucleic acids , co enzymes, hormones, immune response, cellular repair and other molecules essential for life. Proteins are also needed to form blood cells.

Proteins are used as an aerobic fuel when carbohydrates are low or as aerobic fuel when lipid resources are also low.