Protein is essential for growth, repair of tissues, and regulation of body processes. It is composed of amino acids, some of which the body cannot produce and must obtain through food. Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins lack some. Animal proteins are generally complete, while many plant proteins are incomplete. Combining plant proteins such as grains and vegetables provides all essential amino acids. Excess protein intake beyond what is needed for growth and tissue repair provides no benefit and may cause harm, being stored as fat or contributing to dehydration and calcium loss. Protein deficiency can result in illnesses like marasmus, due to lack of calories, or kwashiorkor, due to lack of protein quality or quantity.

1. The Importance of Protein

2. Lesson Objectives 1.Identify primary functions of protein in the body 2.Distinguish difference between complete & incomplete protein 3.Know which foods are high quality sources of protein 4.Differentiate between marasmus & kwashiorkor

3. Fast Facts About Protein Nutrient that supplies energy for the body 1 gram of protein=4 calories Necessary for growth & repair of body tissue Tissue building is its primary production Production of energy is a secondary function Used for the regulation of body processes Quality doesn’t solely on amino acid content Also includes how well the body makes use of it Protein Efficiency Rating (PER)

4. Composition of Protein Protein is a long chain of amino acids Body has the ability to produce most amino acids 20 amino acids are important to human nutrition Nine of which are essential Protein sources containing all nine are complete proteins Others known as incomplete proteins

5. Differentiating Between Complete and Incomplete Proteins Most animal proteins are complete Many plant proteins are incomplete Important for vegetarians to note By combining vegetables and grains, all essential amino acids can be received

6. Complete Proteins

7. Incomplete Proteins

8. Understanding Protein & Discerning Misnomers Assumption that eating more protein adds muscle Exercise, not increased protein muscle Has proven to be harmful This “craze” brought in part by coaches This has shifted to an emphasis to on high-carb diet Average American gets far more protein than can be used for growth & protein Excess protein stored as fat

9. Protein Related Illnesses Not common in the United States Much more prevalent in 3rd world countries Especially where deprivation and malnutrition is an issue Marasmus and Kwashiorkor Related to protein deficiency Excess in protein also produces problems

10. Kwashiokor (KWA shee OR KOR) The “Sickness the older child gets when the next baby is born.” Often due to a switch in diets Caused by a deficiency of protein Can be qualitative or quantitative Symptoms include: swelling (of the face, feet, and belly) thinning hair, discolored, flaking, and cracked skin

12. Marasmus (muh RAZ mus) Marasmus is starvation from a lack of food Stems from a lack of calories or food in a diet Primary symptom is extreme emaciation The sufferer is often weak, listless, and an easy target for infection and disease Body weight can be reduced up to 80 % of the normal weight for that height

13. Protein Excess High prevalence in the states Relates to athletics Contributing factor to obesity Excess protein stored as fat May also contribute to dehydration Breaking down of proteins requires large amounts of water Intake of abundance of protein has been linked to calcium loss

14. Other Musings Amount of needed protein varies on an individual basis Factors include: age, body size, quality of proteins, physical state of the person, growth rate, absence or presence of illness 2-3 servings per day normally adequate Important to obtain quality proteins such as: Lean meat, fish, poultry, milk and eggs For vegetarians fruits or veggies in tandem with grains is a wise choice

15. http://www.edietstar.com/shapeworks/protein.html

16. Links of Interest http://www.toomuchhart.blogspot.com/ http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/