From Greek “protos” Major component in all animal and

plant tissues Made up of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon

and nitrogen

Source: http://minimalpotential.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/3351.png

Amino Acids› Building blocks for proteins› 20 amino acids

11 can be made in the body 9 are essential

Enzymes› Facilitate and accelerate chemical

reactions Antibodies

› Fight illness Hemoglobin

› Transport oxygen in the blood Hormones

› Regulate body functions

Growth and maintenance› Help grow and repair body tissues› Add structure to body tissues

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/11226/image/digest.jpg

10-35% of intake should be protein Males (18 + y/o): 59-63 grams/day Females (18 + y/o): 44-50 grams/day

Calculation:› 0.8 gram/kilogram of body weight

Infants needs the most protein

How do you get protein in your diet?

Animal products are the best source› Meat, eggs, milk, legumes, grains,

vegetables

Supply all essential amino acids in the correct amount for the body to use.› Animal proteins are complete

Plant proteins are incomplete› Exception: soybean protein

Vegetarians need to eat plant proteins in combination

It is possible to get too much.› Extra calories› Kidney strain› Mineral loss› Heart disease› Cancer

What foods do you eat that contain protein?› Are there some that are better than

others?

What is vegetarianism?

Why become a vegetarian?› Scarcity of food› Religious beliefs› Concern for health or the environment› Concerns about animals

Semi-vegetarian Pesco-vegetarian Lacto-ovo-vegetarian Lacto-vegetarian Ovo-vegetarian Vegan Fruitarian

Lower risk of heart disease Lower risk of cancer Less likely to be overweight

Not getting enough protein Osteoporosis Anemia

Choosing foods to eliminate health risks