Proteins In Pakistan - Interesting and Useful Facts!

Heavy-protein, minimal-carbohydrate diets are the coolest thing after the finely sliced pieces of juiciest steaks and every food marketer in the entire universe seems to grab a piece of delicious protein pie.

Fitness models and weight lifters grab, grasp and gulp protein shakes. The ones who are dieting devour protein bars (and shunning pasta) in anticipation of a dramatic loss of weight.

The article talks about all the benefits, types, and kinds of protein food we have in the Pakistani market and why people these days are so cautious in terms of protein diet and daily routine.

Health Beyond Anything Else

Without any doubt, we all know that health is super important to us and it is very necessary to keep ourselves healthy and fit all the time.

Of all the blessings a person could have, health is considered to be the most important one because without a fit, healthy body we can neither function properly nor stay fresh, therefore to stay healthy and wealthy, fresh and active, a balanced protein diet in our daily routine is essential. 

Also Check out: Important Facts and Benefits of Food Supplements In Pakistan

Importance of Protein

The excitement is easy to comprehend. Protein is an essential part of all the cells of the body. Two of the main parts of the human body are made up of protein which are

• Hair, and
• Nails

Protein is the main component in building and repairing tissues of the body. One of the main functions of protein is the production of

• Enzymes
• Hormones
• Other chemicals in our body

If we want to know what is the essential building block of?

• Muscles
• Bones
• Cartilage, and
• Skin

“Protein” is the first answer that we will get.

Also Check out: Easy guide to make your own healthy protein shake at home in Pakistan

Protein Being a Macronutrient

Protein is a "macronutrient" alongside fat and carbs, indicating the body requires reasonably large amounts of it. There are some elements which are needed in quite fewer amounts in the body and those substances are

• Vitamins, and
• Minerals

Since their requirement by the body is fairly less in number, as compared to protein, therefore these substances are known as “micronutrients.”

But one of the drawbacks of protein is that, unlike fat and carbohydrates, it cannot be stored by the body and has no storing reservoir to draw on, especially when the body needs a new supply.

Do Amino Acids Make Up The Protein?

In order to know what the types of protein are, it is better to make sure that the concept of protein is very much clear. If anyone ever has to ask you what are proteins? The simplest answer that you can give them is

Proteins are long amino acid chains that form the foundation of all life.

Job of Protein

Their job is to work like a machine that is responsible for the formation of all living things whether

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Jellyfish
• Plants, and even
• In daily human functions

Having discussed what protein is and what its job is, it is better to talk about "types of protein" now.

Types of Protein

It is evident to all of us that the human body is composed of 100 trillion cells and even more and it’s no less than a miracle that each cell contains thousands of various proteins in it, each performing its function just like a machine to carry out the daily human activities.

Since it is not an easy job to mention all the names of the protein types, the four main types and structures usually discussed are as followed

• Primary protein
• Secondary protein
• Tertiary protein
• Quaternary protein

Their structures and functions are different because of the bonding and composition of amino acids.

Types of Protein Food

Just knowing the names is not enough, and therefore it is very necessary that a person should have the knowledge of types of protein food as well so that a balanced and protein-rich diet can be consumed on a daily basis, in work and home as well.

Many nutritionists have said that there are basically three types of protein food

• Complete Proteins
• Incomplete Proteins
• Complementary Proteins

All of these proteins are very necessary for serving protein-rich food and these are usually found in the following substances.

Where Are They Found?

The complete proteins, as they have all the essential amino acids, are usually found in

• Meat
• Dairy products (milk, butter, cheese) and
• Eggs

The incomplete proteins, actually lack in proteins and these kinds of foods have at least one essential amino acid. Hence the name incomplete is given to them. This type is usually found in plant food such as

• Peas
• Beans
• Grains, and
• Cereals

Now comes the last type, the complementary proteins, which are actually the mixture of two or more than two foods composed of incomplete proteins, providing the need for a complete protein-rich diet. The most common examples include

• The mixture of rice and beans, and
• Bread with peanut butter

Interesting Demand By The Body

One of the interesting things about a human body is that it needs and demands the food according to its own requirement and mood. Because our bodies know exactly when and how much a specific meal is required.

At each meal, the body does not need all the essential amino acids, because it can use amino acids from previously consumed meals to form complete proteins. If a person has sufficient protein all day long, there is no chance that their body will have any kind of protein deficiency.

So yes! In order to stay fit and healthy, it is better to eat less but have full and complete protein-rich meals.

Some More Examples of Protein

By studying till now, we have known that proteins are the structures which help in building and strengthening human body tissues, there are some characteristics which further classify them and hence some more examples of protein are as follows

Proteins can have

• Different structures like collagen
• They can be hormonal like insulin
• They can be carriers such as hemoglobin
• Proteins can be like enzymes such as amylase

Keratin Treatment – Say What?

One of the most common structural protein examples is “Keratin”.  We hear this term used mostly in salons for fabulous hair treatment and conditioning which instantly makes our hair super 

• Smooth
• Shiny, and
• Silky

Keratin actually helps in strengthening the protective coverings of our body, such as hair. There are also many Keratin products available in Pakistani supermarkets and online stores, so now customers do not have to worry about ordering one from abroad.

High Protein Foods Vegan

There are a lot of people in the world who do not prefer to have meat in their meals, and strictly stick to vegetables for all kinds of meals in a day. Such people are called vegan and to satisfy their needs, high protein vegan foods are specially manufactured by multiple food companies.

15 Best plant-based proteins for vegans are as follows

• Spinach
• Avocado
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Corn
• Broccoli
• Peas
• Asparagus
• Greek Yogurt
• Lentils
• Beans
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Peanut Butter
• Oat Meal

The list does not end here. It also includes hemp and chia seeds as well as sweet potatoes. Many people make some tremendous dishes from the combination of the above-mentioned ingredients, which help them stay fresh, full, hydrated and very healthy throughout the day.

High Protein Foods for Muscle Building

People who go to the gym and are fitness conscious keep a very close check on their protein intake on a daily basis and try to have simple white meat at night, especially after doing exercise.

Many dieticians have regarded the following foods as top-best foods for muscle building and growth

• Egg
• Salmon
• Chicken breast
• Tunas
• Beef
• Shrimp and Prawn
• Turkey Breast
• Scallops

And many other kinds of fresh white meat. Many people like to have “protein powders”, and various “protein shakes” in breakfast and in snacks to keep their body in shape.

The Enough Quantity

The majority of us have heard the theory that muscle and body tissues are strengthened by having extra protein. But the fact is that workout and playing good games is the only way to build some great muscles.

For bodies to function well, a reasonable amount of protein is needed. Extra protein is not giving you any extra power. According to many study reports and research, it was concluded that

• 3 daily servings are enough for boys who are in their teenage and for men who are quite active
• 2 daily servings are more than enough for children whose age is from 2 to 6 years and most of the young women
• 2 daily servings are also the right amount for most of the older children, young girls who are in their teenage and many active women

Health Benefits of Protein

There are tons of plus points of proteins, some of which are mentioned below

• The hunger levels are reduced to much extent and certain amounts of protein reduce hunger pangs and appetite as well
• Helps to strengthen muscles in great amount and promotes its growth
• Contradictory to the usual myths, protein is actually really good for the bones
• Say bye-bye to late-night cravings, because good protein intake in a day helps in reducing them as well.
• Proteins instantly boost up the energy level of our body and help in the fast metabolism
• The fat burning process is also increased
• Blood pressure is lowered and protein protects the body from having heart attacks, strokes and other diseases
• Kidneys are not harmed rather protein helps in protecting healthy kidneys from chronic kidney diseases
• Hair and nails are nourished and proper protein meals help in strengthening and maintaining them well.

The Bottom Line

If we keep on talking about the health benefits of proteins, the list just won't end. Different body structures and metabolic rate demands different protein needs and therefore it is very necessary to go to a proper dietician and discuss your diet plan with them so that protein, carbohydrates and calories chat well balanced and no deficiency is observed by the body.

Also Check out: Looking for best protein products for body building in Pakistan? Here is what you need to know!