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Hello, I am Omega-1. I am here to help you learn about protein and make healthy choices for your meals and snacks. |
Omega-1 Proteins
Protein is necessary to build strong muscles, tissues, red blood cells, hair, finger nails and hormones. We need protein so we don't get iron deficiency anemia. If we don't have enough protein, the body has trouble healing. If you eat more protein than you need, it will turn to body fat. Excess protein does NOT build muscle bulk and strength, exercise does. Balanced eating means moderate low fat protein at every meal and snack.
What is a Protein?
Proteins either walk, swim, or fly except for soybeans which grow in the ground. Proteins are very important to eat.
Proteins that swim are all types of fish and shellfish like shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, oyster and clams.
Proteins that fly are all types of edible birds like quail, squab, and pheasant.
Proteins that walk are beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, buffalo, ostrich and emu.
Proteins that grow in the ground are soybeans. You can eat soy nuts, soy burgers, tofu and many other soy products.
Protein is a combination of many chemicals called amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids in protein, which hace many different combinations to make thousands of different proteins!Some amino acids are called nonessential amino acids There are 11 of them and your body makes them. You need them to keep your body in tip-top shape - but they are not essential as part of the food you eat. Others are called essential amino acids - there are nine of them - and they must come from food. No matter how hard you try, your body won't ever make essential amino acids. This is why eating foods with protein is vital, to give your body the amino acids it needs.
Why Do We Need Protein?
Protein was important even before you were born. Your body uses protein in lots of ways. Your body needs it to build, take care of, and repair all parts of your body. When you use your muscles,take a deep breath, run around the palyground you need protein to give you the power to do what ever you want to do.
Protein also makes hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body. It makes antibodies, to help fight off infection and disease. And the next time you fall off your bike and scrape your knee, call for protein to the rescue - it's what helps make your cuts heal!
It's easy to get the protein your body needs. Protein is in tasty foods like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, and yogurt.
