Introduction
The main essential element of food is protein. This element forms the cells of the body i.e. flesh etc. Due to its abundance in food, the work of formation and repair of body cells etc. continues smoothly throughout life. Protein contains traces of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Phosphorus may also be present in it. Protein has an abundance of nitrogen. Protein is of two types (1) obtained from animals (2) obtained from fruits, vegetables and grains etc. However, if there is excess protein in the body, it comes out through stool.
Still, the body needs regular protein for daily requirement, but it is also very important to pay attention to the fact that more protein than required can also harm the body than benefit, but when there is a deficiency of protein in the body even after eating, then it is very important to fulfill that deficiency with artificially produced protein from outside. According to the World Health Organization, a person needs one gram of protein per kilogram of weight, i.e. if the weight is 50 kg, then 50 grams of protein is required daily. Protein is found in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. If both are taken together in the diet, then a large amount of protein can be included in the body. Medical scientists have proved that if there is no lack of vital elements in the body, then the body remains protected from diseases. More protein is required to protect against infectious diseases.
Sources of Protein
The best quality protein is present in egg white, milk, curd, cheese, fish, meat, liver, kidneys and brain. Other types of protein are found in pulses, green vegetables and cereals.
Protein in Egg
Sl. No., Egg, Protein
1. Whole egg, 13.0 percent
2. Egg white, 10.5 percent
3. Egg yolk, 17.0 percent
Protein in milk
Name of animal, Protein
1.Cow milk, 3.4 percent
2. Goat milk, 4.4 percent
3. Sheep milk, 6.7 percent
4. Buffalo milk, 5.9 percent
5. Woman milk, 1.7 percent
Protein requirement
Children require more protein because their body is developing.
Even in old age, the body requires a lot of protein because this is a stage when protein gets digested quickly. If the amount of protein decreases at this age, then there is a lack of vitality. Therefore, the quantity of protein in food items should be increased in this stage.
During pregnancy, along with the mother, the baby in the womb also needs a lot of protein. Protein is necessary for the development of the body of the baby in the womb. Then it is necessary for the health of the mother. Lack of protein in this stage can have a bad effect on the health of the mother and the baby in the womb. Therefore, it is very important that the mother should be given protein-rich food as much as possible during pregnancy.
Just as the mother needs more protein during pregnancy, in the same way, a lactating mother also needs protein. Lack of protein in this stage can affect the health of both the mother and the child. Lactating mothers and pregnant women should be given both types of proteins.
After diseases, the strength of the patient's body is weakened. In this stage, the patient becomes weak and helpless. The fibres, cells, etc. of the patient's body are quite damaged, hence to provide them with new vitality and strength, both types of proteins should be given in maximum quantity so that the body can regain its lost strength. The possibility of those people who do not get proper dietary proteins after illness or operation, becoming ill again cannot be ruled out. The body of the patient is already damaged by the disease. After that, due to improper diet, the strength of the body gets destroyed even more rapidly and the disease attacks again.
