Protein – It’s Importance and Problems in Deficiency

There are five main food groups which are particularly important to lead a good, healthy life. We are often told to eat a balanced diet, but most people are very confused as to what an ideal, balanced diet is actually made up of.A balanced diet requires eating sufficient portions of food from each of the five food groups. The first food group is the one which contains protein. Protein is what is required to increase the muscle in the body. Foods that contain protein are milk and milk products like yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese. One cup a day is what the dietary requirement for the body is.

Some of the other high protein foods are lentils and pulses. One serving of this food everyday, preferably at lunch is beneficial. A handful of nuts can be eaten through the day. One egg will give you enough protein which the body requires. You can also add a small piece of chicken to your lunch.

If you playing a sport, your body needs strength and most people eat foods which are rich in carbohydrates. Although this gives you energy, what you actually need is to create more muscle by eating protein rich foods and then eating carbohydrates which will exercises and strengthen those muscles.

You must be careful not to eat too much of protein. It is a very heavy form of food, and can be difficult to digest. If you are unwell, or if your body is not performing at optimum level, you must reduce your intake of protein immediately.

It is also very important to divide your protein intake through the day and balance it well.Avoid eating all the protein at one meal, but make sure that your meal has some form of protein in it. For children, it is important to increase the amount of protein very gradually.

A person who is exercising will need more protein than someone who is not. Malnutrition caused by the deficiency of protein is common in children between six months and one year. The symptoms are slow growth rate, water retention on the legs, a delay in achieving milestones and discolouration of the child’s hair.