Well, basically EVERYTHING.
Fats and Carbohydrates are used primarily for energy in the
body. Protein can also be broken down and used as an energy source, but only
when there’s not enough carbohydrates to fuel the body and there’s an
over-abundance of protein available.
Proteins are also used by the body to:
·
Create bodily tissues such as muscles,
bones, organs, etc.
·
To form Enzymes (catalysts for
chemical reactions in the body, such as your metabolism and digestion) and Cellular
Transporters (which maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body,
the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the bloodstream, and
the transportation of fats in the body)
·
For Cell Signaling (relaying
chemical “messages” into and out of the cells)
·
To maintain Fluid Balance
(allowing water to move back and forth between cells and the bloodstream, as
well as pulling extra fluid from soft tissues back into the bloodstream)
·
For pH Balance within the body
·
As Hormones and Neurotransmitters
(depending on whether they are functioning from the Endocrine System –
hormones, or from the Nervous System – neurotransmitters)
·
In the Immune System (for white
blood cells to function, and also as antibodies to help fight infection and
disease)
There are plenty of “grams of protein to body weight”
calculators out there if you would like to look up more specific
recommendations, but the average suggestion is 0.8-2.2 grams of protein per KILOGRAM
of body weight, which means you have to convert from kilograms to pounds for
your measurements.
Like I said, the very basic guideline of 1 gram per 1 pound
of IDEAL body weight gets you enough protein and any excess should not be an
issue unless you have SEVERE kidney disease/dysfunction, and then you should be
talking to a doctor.
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