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Proteins are nutrients formed by amino acids. They are essential for the growth and repair of cells. Antibodies, enzymes, insulin, and hormones are all made up of protein. Proteins can be broken down into two groups, complete and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins contain all the amino acids that are important to good health. Incomplete proteins are deficient in some of the required amino acids. The hair, skin, eyes, nails, muscles, heart and other internal organs are composed of protein. Protein is also essential to the proper sodium and potassium balance in our body. When proteins are consumed, the body breaks these down into amino acids and these amino acids are reassembled to form other proteins. The body only requires about 50 grams of protein per day for good health. If excess amounts of protein are not used, the body will not store the protein, but will convert it into fat, carbohydrates, or energy. Excess amounts of protein also put a strain on the kidneys and liver. If adequate amounts of protein are not consumed, the body will begin to use protein from other sources such as muscle tissue or internal organs.
In order for protein to be used by the body, it must first be digested. Enzymes such as pepsin and protease aid the body in breaking down protein in order for it to be metabolized. Enzymes function as catalysts which speed up the process of chemical reactions in the body. Without these enzymes, it would take the body a very long time to break down protein in order for it to do its job. However, enzymes are very sensitive and must have the right environment and elements in order to function. When food is cooked at very high temperatures, it causes the enzymes to become denatured or ineffective. These digestive enzymes are also affected if the body is too acidic or too alkaline. This is why it is important to eat a portion of our food in a raw or uncooked state or to supplement with food enzymes.
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