Protein nutrition: positive and negative sides

Protein nutrition is most important for people who are actively involved in sports. Proteins are high molecular weight biopolymers consisting of amino acid residues. They are the most important in biological terms and the most complex compounds in their chemical structure. They are also the structural and functional basis of the whole organism. The composition of proteins includes twenty amino acids, two amides and two imino acids. Proteins in the body perform various functions: hormonal, visual, catalytic, transport, contractile, protective, energy, and mechanical. Depending on the chemical composition (the presence of interchangeable and essential amino acids), the proteins are classified into full and incomplete. To wholesome are proteins of animal origin (fish, meat, milk). These proteins contain the entire complex of essential amino acids (valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine). The second group includes proteins of plant origin, they contain an incomplete set of essential amino acids. It should be noted that vegetable protein is much less absorbed by our body.

In the gastrointestinal canal, enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin) are hydrolyzed to peptides and amino acids that are absorbed into the blood. With the flow of blood, proteins are transported to each cell, where new proteins are synthesized from them.

A protein diet can lead to a variety of pathologies. It should be said that if the body lacks nutrients (lipids, carbohydrates), then the proteins begin to be used as a "fuel", and this is highly undesirable. In this case, during the breakdown of proteins, a variety of toxic substances are formed, which are very dangerous for the kidneys. Thus, pure protein nutrition is dangerous for human health.

Unlike lipids, the extra protein that has entered the body is not deposited, but decomposes into metabolic products in the liver, after which they are excreted by the kidneys. Many of the metabolites (ammonia) are toxic substances that poison the body. Of course, in the first place will suffer liver and kidneys. Prolonged protein nutrition can provoke dysfunction of the central nervous system and digestive system. A significant concentration of proteins in the digestive channel inhibits the synthesis of enzymes, thus activating the process of decay of proteins.

Nutritionists claim that proper protein nutrition is possible, and it is required for some people: pregnant women, adolescents in periods of active growth, nursing mothers, and people who are engaged in heavy physical labor. It should be noted that this type of food is especially popular among athletes.

Sometimes, to increase the protein concentration in the diet, special protein food is used for athletes, the choice of which in the modern market is very large. Undoubtedly, hard training, heavy physical activity requires an increased concentration of protein in the diet. For example, an average person consumes about 70 grams of protein per day and athletes about 120 grams. In order to avoid complications with such a strong protein diet, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals must be present in the athlete's diet.

The protein mixture of athletes is used as a source of high-grade proteins. The most popular for today are multicomponent protein mixtures. These protein supplements are made on the basis of high-grade proteins of blood serum, milk and eggs. In weightlifting, protein preparations are particularly effective. Therefore, protein mixtures are leaders in the frequency of use among food additives for sports nutrition.