PROTEIN WEEK – Transport
Transport proteins carry vital materials to the cells. Haemoglobin, for example, carries oxygen to body tissues from the lungs. Serum albumin carries fats in your bloodstream, while myoglobin absorbs oxygen from haemoglobin and then releases it to the muscles. Calbindin is another transport protein that facilitates the absorption of calcium from the intestinal walls.
PROTEIN WEEK – Storage proteins
Storage proteins mainly store mineral ions such as potassium in your body. Iron, for example, is an ion required for the formation of hemoglobin, the main structural component of red blood cells. Ferritin — a storage protein — regulates and guards against the adverse effects of excess iron in your body. Ovalbumin and casein are […]
PROTEIN WEEK – Defensive proteins
Antibodies, or immunoglobulin, are a core part of your immune system, keeping diseases at bay. Antibodies are formed in the white blood cells and attack bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms, rendering them inactive.
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PROTEIN WEEK – Structural
Also known as fibrous proteins, structural proteins are necessary components of your body. They include collagen, keratin and elastin. Collagen forms the connective framework of your muscles, bones, tendons, skin and cartilage. Keratin is the main structural component in hair, nails, teeth and skin.
PROTEIN WEEK – Enzymatic
Enzymatic proteins accelerate metabolic processes in your cells, including liver functions, stomach digestion, blood clotting and converting glycogen to glucose. An example is digestive enzymes that break down food into simpler forms that your body can easily absorb.
PROTEIN WEEK – Hormonal proteins
Hormones are protein-based chemicals secreted by the cells of the endocrine glands. Usually transported through the blood, hormones act as chemical messengers that transmit signals from one cell to another. Each hormone affects certain cells in your body, known as target cells. Such cells have specific receptors on which the hormone attaches itself to transmit […]
PROTEIN WEEK
8 Types of Protein Proteins are macronutrients that support the growth and maintenance of body tissues. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins and are classified as essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids are obtained from protein-rich foods such as meat, legumes and poultry, while non-essential ones are synthesized naturally in your body. According to […]
FATS WEEK – Fats and exercise
Fat provides the main fuel source for long-duration, low- to moderate-intensity exercise (think endurance sports such as marathons). Even during high-intensity exercise, where carbohydrate is the main fuel source, fat is needed to help access the stored carbohydrate (glycogen).
FATS WEEK – Trans Fats
Trans fatty acids, more commonly called trans fats, are made by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen gas and a catalyst, a process called hydrogenation. Partially hydrogenated oils can withstand repeated heating without breaking down, making them ideal for frying fast foods. For these reasons, partially hydrogenated oils became a mainstay in […]