|
|
 |
Proteins
|
| Indispensable for the renewal of the cells and for the body's vital functions, the proteins are complex-structure organic compounds. They are made up of the so-called amino acids, small units that are easy to assimilate and are essential for a healthy and balanced diet. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROTEINS |
|
|
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen: these are the four basic components of proteins, which have a very complex structure. Indeed, the protein molecules are long amino acid chains that between them make up the so-called peptides.
One first main distinction between the various types of proteins refers to their function in the body. Proteins that occupy a primary role in the renewal, construction and repair of tissues and cells are generally called "structural" proteins. Enzymes, hormones and growth proteins, on the other hand, are part of the group of "functional" proteins which are indispensable for the body's vital functions.
From a functional point of view, the amino acids can be sub-divided into those that are "essential", "non essential" and "semi-essential" .The first group includes all amino acids that must be incorporated with the diet because the human body is not capable of synthesising them alone. The "non essential" ones, on the other hand, are synthesised by the body in normal physiological conditions, whilst the "semi-essential" ones are synthesized by the body from other amino acids that are introduced into the body through the diet.
|
|
|
|
Proteins represent more than 50 percent of the organic components in the human body. This is why it is important to follow a healthy and balanced diet that guarantees the body the correct amount of all proteins. Those containing essential amino acids (proteins with a high biological value) are present in animal origin foods such as eggs, milk, cheeses, meat and fish. Vegetable origin foods, on the other hand, contain proteins with a low biological value (semi-essential and non essential): this is the case with cereals, rice, pulses, fruit and vegetables in general.
Protein requirements vary according to lifestyle, age and activity of the individual. This will be higher during childhood and adolescence when the proteins are indispensable for growth and development. Broadly speaking however, the best diet is that which guarantees the right amounts of all proteins, whether essential or otherwise. This is therefore a diet that includes foods with a high protein content such as meat, alongside others that provide fibre (such as vegetables) and carbohydrates. Amongst these, starch is the most elemental carbohydrate in man's diet. It is highly digestible and is particularly present in pasta which cannot be excluded from a healthy and correct Mediterranean diet.
|
|
|
|
|
