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Proteins Good or Bad
Proteins are essential to your body for growth and tissue repair. Selecting healthy sources of protein and making sure you have the right amount will assist to keep you in good shape.
What are proteins?
 Proteins are found in numerous foods. They are complex substances made up of small molecules called amino acids. Different foods contain different types of amino acids, in varying amounts.
What do proteins do?
In simple terms the protein in your diet is broken down into amino acids. These are used in tissue and muscle growth, as well as tissue repair. Amino acids are also a first-class source of energy. Your bones, muscles and tissue walls all require a good supply of amino acids in order to stay in top health.
Where are proteins found?
 Meat and fish are exceptional sources of protein. You can also get protein from cereals, dairy products, eggs, nuts, lentils, peas, beans and many other vegetables.The proteins in meat and fish are called complete proteins, because they provide every bit of the amino acids your body requires. The proteins from plants are called incomplete proteins, because no single plant contains every one of the amino acids your body needs.
Can a vegetarian diet provide enough protein?
It's perfectly possible to get all the amino acids you need from a vegetarian diet, provided you eat a high-quality variety of eggs, dairy products, pulses, cereals and vegetables. Soya and soya products are for the most part good sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans, as they contain the most complete of all plant proteins. If you don't eat dairy products, make an effort to eat soya, rice or oat milk fortified with calcium instead. Try to eat an assortment of proteins for each meal
How much protein do I need?
Nutritional requirements fluctuate from person to person, depending on gender, age and activity levels.Remember to include other valuable sources of protein in your diet as well, such as fish, cereals, bread, nuts, seeds, pulses and soya.
Can I have too little protein?
As a rule, your body prefers to use carbohydrates and fat as sources of energy. If you are not eating an adequate amount of calories, your body will begin to use the protein stored in your muscles as an energy source instead. This will make your muscles weak and flabby. People who are dieting and rigorously restricting their calorie intake can run this risk.
Can I have too much protein?
Many diet books advocate eating a high-protein diet as a way to lose weight, but according to research, there is no real proof that this actually works. You shouldn't eat too much protein, particularly if you have liver or kidney problems, as these may become overloaded. Also, if your main source of protein is meat and dairy products - which often contain a lot of saturated fat - you increase your risk of developing heart disease.
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