Chemically speaking, protein is a macromolecule comprising a set of amino acids. There are 20 types of amino acids, and depending on the types of amino acids that are joined together through peptide bonds, we will have one protein or another.
What Function Do Proteins Have?
Surely, more than once, you have asked yourself what proteins are for. Mainly, they have a structural function, such as repairing or modifying our body’s organs and muscles, and a regulatory one, exercising control over the metabolic pathways of our body. However, if the other energetic macronutrients (carbohydrates and fats) are in short supply, they could also act as a source of energy like driven supps.
What Types Of Proteins Exist?
Depending on the characteristic in which we look, there are several ways to classify them:
Depending On The Origin:
If we classify them by their origin, we find that we have proteins of animal origin, plant origin, and microbial origin, that is, those that bacteria or single-celled fungi have synthesized.
The latter are not widespread in the food industry, but they could be a very interesting option due to their low cost and great biological value.
Depending On Its Biological Activity:
The role that proteins play in our body is not always the same. We can talk about enzymes, structural proteins, transporters, storage, motor, signaling, sensory, defense, receptors, hormones, or antibodies, depending on their function.
Depending On Its Solubility:
Here, we differentiate the different types of proteins depending on whether they are soluble or insoluble in water. In the case of transmembrane proteins (those that make up the cell’s plasma membrane), they have a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part so that the membrane can function correctly.
Proteins Of Plant Origin Or Animal Origin?
Any type of diet is suitable as long as it is well-calibrated and adapted to your body’s needs.
The ideal ratio of animal vs. vegetable protein is around 50:50 . This is because both types provide a benefit to the human body. You have to take into account what each one is usually accompanied with. Vegetable proteins are usually accompanied by fiber and have a low lipid content.
While the opposite would happen with foods rich in animal proteins, they are usually associated with less fiber and more fat. We must also consider the type of amino acid that makes it up. Here, the so-called essential amino acids play an important role, which is so called because they need to be incorporated through food since our body is incapable of synthesizing them.
This must be considered, especially in the case of vegetable proteins, where mixing the different protein sources is of greater importance to have a complete essential amino acid profile.
Proteins In The Athlete’s Diet
As we have already seen, this macronutrient or pro protein plays a key role in the correct performance of the vital functions of the human body, whether we are athletes or not. A run or a swimming session in the open sea is especially important for weightlifting friends, especially if we focus our training on gaining muscle mass. This is because proteins are the “bricks” with which muscle mass is built.
If we have the option to consume this type of protein food, we will choose to consume them after training as they help repair muscle fibers after strength training. In addition, it must be taken into account that it is not good to consume foods with a high protein content immediately before training since these would make digestion difficult and could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
The amount we consume will depend on our goals and our body’s tolerance. Values between 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight would be adequate. And no, we will not gain more muscle beyond that amount since our body has a limited capacity for protein synthesis.
