Protein Research

Protein Article Research
Danielle Massie
SCI/241
2-28-13
Kimberly Haight

    Protein is found in foods that include meat and plants. Protein consists of series of amino acids folded into three-dimensional shapes. They are constantly being used and replaced in our bodies. There are 20 different amino acids that make up all sorts of proteins. Our bodies cannot make up some amino acids and these are known as essential amino acids.   There are different types of proteins which include high quality proteins also known as complete proteins, and complementary proteins also known as incomplete proteins. High quality proteins include all of the amino acids and can be found in foods such as beef, chicken, fish, milk, eggs, and cheese any food that is animal which are healthy sources of protein. Complementary proteins are proteins that lack some amino acids but work together with one or more incomplete sources to provide a good source of essential amino acids. Examples of these are corn, rice, dry beans, nuts, and grains. The amount of protein you need each day depends on your age and gender. Since I am 26 and a female I need to consume 46 grams of protein each day.
    It is not very common in the United States for individuals to have protein deficiency but it is very common in other countries. When someone lacks protein they become more susceptible to infections, they lack energy, it can stunt your growth, can cause weight loss, nutritional absorption is interrupted, can cause skin to peel and bloating of the stomach. All these are symptoms of kwashiorkor a protein deficiency disease most common in young children. Marasmus is another disease but is caused by protein and calorie deficiency and can occur in all ages. The main cause is starvation it causes the person to look like a skeleton.  
    The overconsumption of protein can cause health problems. The three negative effects of a high- protein diet are it puts strain on your kidneys, can cause damage to...