Nutrition - Protein

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF THE BODY
"Each day, normal cell functioning must be maintained, damaged cells need to be repaired,
and new cells are generated. These things cannot occur without proper nutrients."

THE SCIENCE OF NUTRITION

PROTEIN

Protein is needed for the muscles, nails and hair maintenance. It is important for life because it provides the structure for all living things. It controls rates of metabolic reactions, clotting factors, and plasma proteins that regulate water balance, certain hormones, and the antibodies that fight against infection. It should be consumed from beans, soy products, sea vegetables, seeds, nuts, seafood, fish and occasionally animal meats. When eating protein from animals, the meat should be thoroughly cooked - not raw or rare. In Leviticus chapter 7, verses 26, the Bible clearly states, “And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal." Protein deficiency leads to extreme weight loss, wasting, anemia, and growth retardation.

Digestion of protein results in amino acids, which can be easily absorbed by intestinal cells and transported into the blood. Except for eight essential amino acids that must be acquired from foods, the body can synthesize the rest. All the amino acids must be present in the body at the same time for growth and repair of tissue to occur. If any one amino acid is missing, protein synthesis cannot take place. Complete proteins are needed for sustaining life. Therefore, we recommend soybean products because they are complete proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids that the human body requires.

For an average adult, approximately 0.4 grams of protein per every pound of body weight is all that is required. In addition to this, pregnant women require 30 grams of protein more per day and nursing mothers require 20 grams of protein more per day. We do not need to overindulge in protein, which can easily lead to obesity.

The “palm method” is also a helpful tool to approximate the amount of protein needed by the body each day. One can gauge the total daily intake of protein to be equivalent to the size and thickness of the palm, excluding fingers. Therefore, smaller people would naturally have smaller palms and bigger people would naturally have bigger palms. This is a simple measuring method to follow. 

Essential Amino Acids (Acquired From Food)

1)  L-Tryptophan - It is a natural relaxant that helps alleviates insomnia by inducing normal sleep. It helps reduce anxiety and depression and aids in the treatment of migraine headaches. This amino acid boosts the immune system and helps reduce risks of artery and heart spasms. It works with Lysine in reducing cholesterol levels.

2)  L-Lysine - It insures adequate absorption of calcium and helps form collagen (which makes up bone cartilage and connective tissues). It aids in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. A deficiency of this amino acid may cause fatigue, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, hair loss, anemia and reproductive problems.

3)  L-Methionine - It is a principal supplier of sulfur, which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails. It helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin. Methionine reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys, is a natural chelating agent for heavy metals and regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine, which reduces bladder irritation. It also influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

4)  L-Phenylalaine - It is used by the brain to produce Norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain. It promotes alertness and reduces hunger pains. It functions as an antidepressant and helps improve memory.

5)  L-Threonine - It is an important constituent of collagen, elastin, and enamel protein. It helps prevent fat build-up in the liver, helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly and assists metabolism and assimilation.

6)  L-Valine - It promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calm emotions. 

7)  L-Leucine and L-Isoleucine - They provide ingredients for the manufacturing of essential biochemical components in the body, which are utilized for the production of energy, stimulating the upper brain, and promoting alertness.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

1)  L-Arginine - It improves immune responses to bacteria, viruses and tumor cells. It promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver. Arginine causes the release of growth hormones and is considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair.

2)  L-Tyrosine - It transmits nerve impulses to the brain, helps overcome depression, improves memory, and increases mental alertness. It also promotes normal functioning of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands.

3)  L-Glycine - It helps trigger the release of oxygen to the cell-making process. It is important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.

4)  L-Serine - It is a storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles. It helps strengthen the immune system by providing antibodies. Serine synthesizes fatty acid sheath around nerve fibers.

5)  L-Glutamic Acid - It is considered to be nature's "brain food" because it improves mental capacities. It helps speed the healing of ulcers, gives a "lift" from fatigue, and helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia and sugar cravings.

6)  L-Aspartic Acid - It aids in the expulsion of harmful ammonia from the body. When ammonia enters the circulatory system it acts as a highly toxic substance which can be harmful to the central nervous system. Aspartic acid may increase resistance to fatigue and increase endurance.

7)  L-Taurine - It helps stabilize the excitability of membranes, which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take place in the aging process and aids in the clearing of free radical wastes.

8)  L-Cystine - It functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free radicals and neutralize toxins. Cystine aids in protein synthesis. It is necessary for the formation of skin, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine.

9)  L-Histidine - It is found abundantly in hemoglobin and has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers and anemia. A deficiency of histidine can cause poor hearing.

10) L-Proline - It is extremely important for the proper functioning of joints and tendons. It also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.

11) L-Alanine - It is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system. It strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies and helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids.