Definition of Protein

Proteins are the natural organic substances that are required for the growth of the structure and functions of a human body. These protein compounds can be found throughout the body and therefore serve many important functions. The proteins are the main components of the cells. For example, the IGF-1 and growth hormone are the natural substances that are found in the human body. The proteins are made up of large molecules or macromolecules composed of amino acids in a chain format that are an essential part of all living organisms usually as structural components of the body tissues such as hair, collagens, muscles etc. The proteins are also found in the form of antibodies and enzymes. The proteins also exist as substances that are collectively forms the basis of the dietary component.

History of Protein

Proteins as a separate class of biological molecule was first recognized in the 18^th century by Antoine Fourcroy and others who distinguished this molecules ability to flocculate or coagulate under the treatments with acids or heat. The examples that were analyzed for the protein content included the blood serum albumin, wheat gluten, fibrin and egg whites. The detailed elemental analysis of protein was however carried out by Dutch chemist Gerardus Johannes Mulder who carried out the fundamental analysis of the common proteins found that the majority of the proteins had the same experimental formulae. However, the Jons Jacob Berzelius described the term “protein” as a proposed name to these molecules in the year 1838 and this name is taken from the Greek word –proteios-that meant “standing in front” or “primary”. The other scientists who are credited with the discovery of other compounds or structures in the protein include Linus Pauling, William Astbury, Walter Kauzmann, Kaj Linderstrom Lang etc. At present, the protein data bank consists of about over fifty-five thousand atomic structures of proteins.

How to get protein –

Proteins are inherently found in both the animal and vegetable food products. The protein that is found in vegetables is known in common parlance as vegetable protein and that in animals is commonly known as animal protein. Therefore, when choosing about the protein rich food it is required to concentrate on what comes along with the protein. For example, proteins are found in rich quantities in beans, nuts and whole grains in case of vegetarian diet. While the rich source of proteins in case of non-vegetarian or animal food comes from poultry and fish products. It is recommended that the human body needs about 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of the body weight per day which comes about 64 grams for a 160 pound of an adult. However, this research is not based on the notion of one-size fits all kind of concept. The following food products are rich in protein components and therefore by consuming the below mentioned food products, a person can get the necessary protein requirement:

From the above-mentioned table it is observed that marine or sea products are rich source of getting proteins as they have the maximum number of calories rich in protein content.