2. Protein is found in every cell
3. Protein is a key component in the structure of the body; some have functional roles, ie enzymes and others regulatory roles, ie hormones
4. Proteins play an important role in the function of the immune system
5. Body proteins are continually being broken down and replaced
6. Proteins are composed of linear chains of amino acids; their sequence is encoded in our DNA
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| DNA double helix |
7. Different proteins contain different proportions of amino acids
8. Twenty-one amino acids are involved in the
synthesis of proteins
9. These can be separated into two separate groups – indispensable (essential) and dispensable (non-essential)
10. Indispensable amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body and must be provided in the diet
11. Dietary sources of protein can come from both animals & plants
12. Animal sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs & dairy products; as they contain substantial amounts of indispensable amino acids they are termed “complete protein foods”
13. Plant sources of protein include cereals, legumes, nuts & seeds; they lack or don’t contain sufficient quantities of at least one amino acid and are therefore termed as “incomplete protein foods”
14. Plant sources can be combined to overcome the “limiting” amino acid, ie rice & lentils, beans on toast
15. The protein requirements of athletes depends upon the type, intensity and duration of training.
Eat wisely
Cathy x
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