Macro nutrients are defined as the substances or components that are needed by the body to serve as nourishment to facilitate cell growth, repair, and overall maintenance of life.  The word macro means large, hence macronutrients collectively mean nourishment needed in large quantities.  

There are three main macronutrients, namely, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are all required by the body depending on the age, gender, height, health, and lifestyle of an individual.  The macronutrient category of interest today is proteins.  

Proteins are beneficial to human health as they are responsible for cell structure, function, and repair. This includes tissue and organ regulation. At molecular level, proteins are made up of small nitrogen containing units known as amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids which form complex linkages/chains to form proteins. Out of the 20 protein types, 9 are essential proteins which means they cannot be made by our bodies compared to the rest which are known as non-essential. Essential proteins cannot be made by our bodies as the non-essential proteins. Hence, it is crucial to know which are crucial to supplement in our diets.  

Here are more reasons to consume proteins:  

1. Satiety – proteins give the feeling of fullness. Hence, they can avoid cravings by managing hunger. This is beneficial to weight loss and control. 

1. Building blocks – proteins can help our bodies with repair and rebuild muscles, skin, hair, nails. 

1. Immune response enhancement – important components of the immune system is made up of proteins such as antibodies and lymphocytes. These act collectively to alert the body of disease-causing bacteria or viruses.  

1. Reduce the risk of diabetes – it is reported that there is a correlation between lifestyle disease and the protein deficiency to the risks of diabetes. Protein facilitates satiety and maintains the blood sugar levels. When it lacks, insulant resistant individuals may experience irregular blood sugar patterns after meals.  

Protein consumption has decreased as some of the protein sources are costly or cause significant environmental impact. Here 5 sustainable sources protein includes eggs, chicken, tofu, milk, and beans. If unsure a visit to a nutritionist may help.  

Sources 

https://youtu.be/smPR215SRzM 

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/howgeneswork/protein/ 

6 Health Benefits of Eating More Protein | The Active Times 

https://www.eufic.org/en/whats-in-food/article/what-are-proteins-and-what-is-their-function-in-the-body 

9 Health Benefits of Eating More Protein – Nutrition Advance 

https://youtu.be/_N1xX49AqwQ 

Protein Foods | MyPlate 

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/7-foods-fight-back-immune-system-boosters/ 

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/can-adequate-protein-consumption-help-prevent-diabetes/ 

https://medcraveonline.com/JCCR/lifestyle-diseases-consequences-characteristics-causes-and-control.html