18 Interesting Facts On Proteins

1.Word “protein” is from the Greek word proteios, which means “primary” or “holding the first place.” The term was first used in 1838.

2. In 2010, 20-year-old athlete Ben Pearson tried to increase his protein intake to boost muscle development. However, no one knew he had a rare genetic disorder that prevented his body from breaking down protein. The increased protein intake increased ammonia levels in his blood that caused brain swelling and death.

3. The lifespan of most proteins totals two days or less. However, the recent discovery of extremely long-lived proteins may provide scientists with insight into cell aging and neurodegeneration.

4. The fish with the most protein is the Yellowfin Tuna, with 30 grams per 100-gram serving. It is followed by anchovies (29 g), salmon (27 g), halibut (27 g), snapper (26 g), and tilapia (26 g).

5. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which forms a helical shape. This protein has sulfur bonds, and the more sulfur links it has, the curlier a person’s hair will be.

6. The older, larger, and more mature a bean grows, the more protein it has. Mature roasted soybeans have the most protein, with 39.6 grams of protein per 100-gram serving.

7. Pumpkin and squash seeds provide 33 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. Watermelon seeds provide a little less than 28 grams per 100-gram serving.

8. Researchers have found that a mutation in a specific protein may raise the risk of autism. Specifically, when a protein called the Shank3 protein mutates, it leads to defects in neuron-neuron communication.

9. Without a protein called Albumin, the entire human body would swell.

10. Cataracts are caused by the denaturation of proteins in the lenses of the eyes.

11. Errors in protein function can cause diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, as well as prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in which the brain degenerates to a structure that looks like a porous sponge.

12. Complete proteins (whole proteins) are proteins that contain all nine of the essential amino acids. Typically, proteins from animal foods such as meats, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs are complete. Incomplete protein sources usually include nuts and vegetables.

13. Protein deficiency can cause serious health problems. For example, children with a protein deficiency could develop a condition known as Kwashiorkor. The symptoms include a protruding belly, thin hair, overall weight loss, and discolored skin and hair. Left untreated, it can lead to stunted growth, mental impairments, and death.

14. The protein in eggs is the highest quality of protein found in any food.

15. Inadequate protein/amino acid intake can affect the entire body, including 1) bone cell synthesis, 2) red blood cell production, 3) heart cell turnover rate, 4) neurotransmitters/mood, 5) immune function/antibodies, 6) enzymes/hormones, 7) skin elasticity/muscle tone, 8) organ function, 9) pH balance, and 10) mobility and joint integrity.

16. Eating too much protein can be dangerous for the body. For example, high levels of protein can stress the livers and kidneys because they have to work extra hard to dismantle and dispose of the extra protein. Excess protein can also lead to weight gain.

17. Proteins in the human body have many jobs. For example, a protein called rhodopsin in our eyes helps us see light. Hemoglobin in red cells carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s cells and takes away their harmful waste product, carbon dioxide. A series of chemical reactions involving proteins makes the blood clot. Additionally, proteins give the body structure, help regulate body processes, defend against disease, maintain the body’s internal environment, and give us energy.

18. Proteins found in certain foods are often the cause of allergies because the structure of a protein may trigger an immune response. For example, many people are allergic to gluten, the protein in wheat and other grains.