Let’s face it…. a discussion on
protein is not on everyone’s top of their list but it’s a subject which should
be at the forefront of our food choices. PROTEIN is a topic for us with spinal
cord injury. It’s a component we cannot live without. Tissue
healing, muscle building, and bone growth cannot occur without that important
component. A bit of protein should be consumed with each meal and high
protein, low carbs is the new name of the game.
What is Protein?
Protein is essential for life. It
plays critical roles in:
- Making tissue, including muscle, skin, hair & nails
- Producing enzymes, which control almost all chemical reactions in your body
- Making hormones, which act as chemical messengers in your body
- Making antibodies, which boost your immune system and protect your body from infection
- Converting to glucose to act as an energy source if there is an inadequate supply of carbohydrates
Proteins are made up of building
blocks called amino acids. There are 22 different amino acids, all of which are
necessary for good health. Foods such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish,
eggs, nuts, seeds & legumes (beans & peas) are rich sources of protein.