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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Sumit, Thank you for the question

Protein is an important component of your daily balanced diet and inadequate intake may lead to loss of energy, fatigue, improper functioning of immune system etc. 

Some of the functions of protein are

• Growth and Maintenance- Protein is required for the growth and maintenance of tissues
• Enzymes are proteins that aid the thousands of biochemical reactions that take place within and outside cells. Bodily functions that depend on enzymes include Digestion, Energy production, Blood clotting, Muscle contraction
• Proteins act as a buffer system, helping your body maintain proper pH values of the blood and other bodily fluids.
• Proteins in the blood maintain the fluid balance between your blood and the surrounding tissues.
• Proteins form antibodies to protect your body from foreign invaders, such as disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
• Some proteins transport nutrients throughout your entire body, while others store them.
• Protein can serve as a valuable energy source but only in situations of fasting, exhaustive exercise or inadequate calorie intake.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein for a 16year old male is 55g per day.

If an Individual is targeting on  weight gain or muscle gain  then 0.8-1g/kg body weight of protein is recommended

Here are some of sources of protein that can be included in your daily diet:

• Legumes: lentils, beans (chickpeas, kidney, mung, pinto etc.), peas (green, split, etc.), soybeans (and products made from soy: tofu, tempeh, etc.), peanuts.
• Nuts and Seeds: almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, hemp seeds, squash and pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds.
• Whole Grains:  wheat, quinoa, rice, wild rice, millet, oats, buckwheat,
• While many vegetables and fruits contain some level of protein, it’s generally in smaller amounts than the other plant-based foods. Some examples with higher protein quantities include corn, broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and artichokes.
• Milk and milk products such as paneer.
• Lean meat, eggs, fish etc.

For guidance on higher protein requirements for specific health or fitness needs please contact a health care professional or any registered dietitian

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

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