- Proteins are very complex organic substances containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen (sometimes sulphur and phosphorus).
- The basic units of proteins are amino acids.
- There are 20 essential amino acids.
- Proteins obtained from animal sources are called COMPLETE PROTEINS because they contain all the 20 essential amino acids.
- Proteins obtained from plant sources are called INCOMPLETE PROTEINS because not all the essential amino acids are present.
QUESTION?
HOW CAN VEGETARIANS GET ALL THE 20 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS IN THEIR DIET (CONSIDERING THEY DO NOT TAKE ANIMAL PROTEINS WHICH CAN ACTUALLY PROVIDE THEM WITH THESE 20 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS?
EFFECTS OF PROTEIN DEFICIENCY
The average human adults needs 50 to 100g of proteins a day. The deficiency of proteins in the diet of children may lead to a protein deficiency disease called KWASHIORKOR. Such children usually have swollen abdomens. Their skin cracks and becomes scaly.
HOW CAN VEGETARIANS GET ALL THE 20 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS IN THEIR DIET (CONSIDERING THEY DO NOT TAKE ANIMAL PROTEINS WHICH CAN ACTUALLY PROVIDE THEM WITH THESE 20 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS?
EFFECTS OF PROTEIN DEFICIENCY
The average human adults needs 50 to 100g of proteins a day. The deficiency of proteins in the diet of children may lead to a protein deficiency disease called KWASHIORKOR. Such children usually have swollen abdomens. Their skin cracks and becomes scaly.
FUNCTIONS OF PROTEINS
- Essential for synthesis of protoplasm (hence for growth and repairing worn out tissues).
- Essential for synthesis of enzymes and some hormones.
- Essential for the formation of antibodies to combat diseases.
- A source of energy only after all the fat reserve is used up (but mind you, fat reserve in the body will first be used if the body has insufficient glucose to be used as a source of energy).
