Question

Write briefly about protein as an essential component of diet.

Answer 1

Protein is an essential component of diet because proteins are the building blocks of the body. They are found in hair, nails, muscles, skin, organs, blood, hormones and enzymes. Proteins are made of amino acids; 9 of the 20 amino acids are essential and must be obtained from food.

Functions:

1. Repair and maintenance of body tissues.
2. Source of energy.
3. Creation of some hormones.
4. Transportation and storage of molecules.
5. Formation of antibodies that help prevent infection, illness and disease.

Sources:

• Animal sources: meat, fish, egg, milk, cheese.
• Plant sources: pulses, cereals, nuts, beans, peas.

Requirement: For Indian adults, the daily protein requirement is 0.83 g per kg body weight; protein intake should be 10–15% of total daily energy and should not exceed 35%.