2.1.1

Proteins

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Why Do We Need Protein?

Protein is a type of macronutrient. A macronutrient is a type of food that we need lots of in our diet. Foods like eggs, chicken, salmon and milk all contain protein.

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Amino acids

  • Amino acids, which are sometimes referred to as the body's 'building blocks', make up proteins.
  • The human body can only produce some types of amino acids (non-essential) so we must eat the ones our bodies can't produce (essential).
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Uses of proteins

  • Growth - general body growth as well as the growth of specific body parts, like muscles, bones and skin.
  • Repair - mending organs, muscles and tissues after we get ill or are injured.
  • Maintenance - producing antibodies to prevent illness and enzymes to help digestion.
  • Secondary source of energy - if the body doesn't have enough carbohydrates and fats, protein can be used as a reserve energy source.

Low and High Biological Value Proteins

Not all proteins have the same biological value.

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High biological value (HBV) proteins

  • Have all the essential amino acids that humans need.
  • Mostly located in animal sources (like chicken, salmon etc.)
  • Soya beans also contain HBV proteins.
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Low biological value (LBV) proteins

  • Don't contain all the essential amino acids that humans need.
  • Only located in plant-based foods.
    • E.g. cereals, pulses, nuts etc.
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Protein complementation

  • Protein complementation is a way of making sure that we get all the essential amino acids we need in our diets. It involves combining various LBV proteins.
    • E.g. peanut butter and wholegrain bread are both lacking some essential amino acids. But a peanut butter sandwich gives us all the necessary essential amino acids.

Jump to other topics

1Food Preparation Skills

2Food, Nutrition & Health

3Food Science

4Food Safety

5Food Choice

6Food Provenance

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