Protein
Introduction
Proteins are macro-nutrients found in all living cells in animals and plants that play various important roles. The protein found in animals and plants is such an essential substance that the term protein derives from the Greek word "first." Protein is contained in skin, hair, nails, muscles, and blood, to name just a few places. Proteins function broadly to build and maintain the human body, whereas carbohydrates and lipids are used primarily for energy.
Proteins, on the one hand, build the structure of the human body like Muscles, bones, hair, etc.; on the other hand, these perform many different functions, essential for the proper functioning of the body. We can break down proteins for energy if adequate carbohydrates are not available in the body.
Our body can manufacture proteins from amino acids. About half of the required types of amino acids can be synthesized in the human body, while the remaining types of amino acids must be obtained from the proteins in our foods. After we eat protein, our bodies break it down into amino acids and use them for various processes, such as building muscle and regulating immune function.
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Protein | The macronutrient
Protein is a macronutrient and is a significant player in the diet. Protein is the body's building block forming and repairing muscles, skin, hair, and nails. Protein also enables many of the body's vital metabolic functions.
Proteins form the structure of tissues. They also carry molecules around the body to where they are needed. Proteins play important roles in biochemical reactions in the human body, including immune response and the production and deployment of hormones.​​​​
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Proteins are made up of amino acids. Short chains of amino acids are called peptides, as amino acids connect with peptide bonds. ​Longer chains of amino acids are called polypeptides or proteins. Protein chains can become complex as more and more chains join and fold in on themselves. The body breaks down protein chins into peptides to use for specific purposes as required. For example, the hormone insulin is a peptide. ​Read more about protein from Wikipedia.
Insulin consists of two peptide chains, linked with two disulphide bridges shown in yellow
