Why are proteins important?
1. Repair and Maintenance
Proteins are the building blocks of the body. Proteins make up the structures of many biological molecules of the body. Proteins are present in hair, skin, muscles and organs. One of the reasons why infants need protein is to maintain the growth at every stage of development. Proteins are always at work; building new tissues and organs round the clock. At the same time, they replace and repair damaged cells and tissues.
2. Regulation and Metabolism
All enzymes are proteins. Enzymes are indispensable for the smooth functioning of many processes, from organs to a cellular level. Enzymes aid in the process of digestion, metabolizing carbohydrates and fats, regulating cell growth and division, etc. Most reactions in the body would fail to proceed in the absence of enzymes. Similarly, hormones are the heart of regulating metabolic activity. Hormones efficiently maintain several body functions. For instance, insulin controls the level of sugar in your blood. Hormones also aid in digestion by stimulating the pancreas and intestines.
3. Carriers of Molecules
Molecules that are necessary for the everyday process are transported and stored by proteins. For example, the oxygen that one breathes is stored and transported by a protein called haemoglobin, present in red blood cells. Each cell contains proteins that regulate the traffic of moving molecules, in and out of the cell, to be utilized for biochemical reactions.
4. Protection and Immunity
We are all familiar with the term ‘Antibodies’. Antibodies are a part of the immune system that effectively protects your baby against infections, illness and diseases. All antibodies are entirely made of proteins. They identify foreign invaders and eliminate them systematically from the body.
5. Energy Generation
An important potential source of energy, proteins can be used for generating energy to power different processes in the body. This happens when the body doesn’t receive adequate carbohydrates and fats. Under such circumstances, proteins can be broken down into their constituent amino acids to generate power.
It is crucial that your infant receives enough proteins. Not only do proteins help your baby perform everyday activities, they also aid in the long-term physical and cognitive development. Though proteins are essential for a baby’s development, other macronutrients like carbohydrates have a key role in growth and development.
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