11 surprising facts that will make you pro-protein
While everyone knows that muscles are made up of protein, very few know everything about it. So here are 11 interesting protein facts that are sure to take you by surprise!
So, let’s start unveiling!
- The name has a Greek origin
The word protein is borrowed from ‘Proteois’, which means primary or first in rank. Even though protein is one of the most important nutrients for our body, it often takes a backseat in our daily diet.
- Protein only lives for 2 days
There are nearly 1 lakh different protein combinations in our body and it only lasts for 2 days. Our cells frequently undergo repair, hence breaking down the proteins to form new ones.
- Protein reduces sudden hunger pangs
If you want to feel full for longer and maintain a healthy weight, then you must include protein in all your meals. Protein takes a while to digest, which boosts satiety hormones and reduces those sudden hunger pangs.
- Proteins are nothing but complex chains
If you thought protein was a single large molecule then you’d be taken by surprise.
In fact, it is made up of amino acids and looks like a chain. There are up to 20 amino acids which link in different combinations to form different proteins in our body.
- 20% of our body weight is protein
After water weight and bone weight, the rest of the body makes up for protein weight. Pretty fascinating, right?
- Hair is also a protein
To form hair, proteins unite with sulphur bonds. So curlier the hair, the more sulphur links there are.
- Mature beans have more proteins
Beans are a good source of protein. However, the longer it ages, the better protein profile it has. Matured soybeans have more protein; 39.6 grams per 100 grams.
- Complementary proteins
Only animal sources are called ‘complete’ protein sources.
A protein is said to be complete only when it provides all the 9 essential amino acids, which our body can’t produce from food items. However, quinoa is the only exception.
So dals and legumes need to be paired with chappati to form a complete protein. You can either consume it together as a meal or throughout the course of the day.
- Cataracts and protein
Cataracts are nothing but protein denaturation in the lenses of our eye!
- Pikachu inspired Protein
You’d be thrilled to know that some protein names are highly influenced by pop culture. For instance, Pikachurin a retinal protein was named after the famous Pokemon character, Pikachu. Similarly, a blue protein is called Ranasmurfin after the Smurfs.
- Inadequate protein intake can be bad for health
Poor protein intake can affect your health in many ways – like from bone cell synthesis, red blood cell synthesis, and the elasticity of muscle & skin to heart cell renewal, immunity factors, joint function, and many many more.
According to a survey, Indians consume the least amount of protein on a daily basis and are ignorant about the optimal protein intake. Well, and according to ICMR, a person must consume 0.8 grams to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. So the question you need to ask yourself is, are you eating enough protein?
If not, then here’s an easy way to sneak protein in your diet - by snacking on bars and baked protein chips, that are not only healthy and handy but also absolutely delicious! So always keep a stock of these protein-rich snacks to fight away your high-calorie temptations.
