What exactly are the proteins?

Proteins play a central role in many vital functions of the body and are essential for proper operation. They may also supply carbohydrates and lipids to provide energy.

Proteins are molecules essential for the functioning of the human body. Their roles are varied and go beyond the mere muscle building.

We classify the roles of proteins into three categories.

Structural role of proteins:

This is the best known role. Proteins are the molecules build and repair body tissues. This role is essential for building muscles, but also to all organs of the body.

It is this role that we are especially interested in bodybuilding. Indeed, during a workout, the muscles undergo trauma. Some muscle fibers are damaged.

For repair, the body needs protein, is recovering. Once the recovery is completed, the body will also prepare for the next meeting, to no longer suffer such damage. There will therefore build muscle, by swelling the muscle cells. This part, muscle growth, also need protein.

Biochemical role of protein:

Proteins are biologically active molecules that play major roles in chemical reactions of the body. Some proteins are not used at all in the construction of cells, but have quite different properties.

These molecules may be enzymes, hormones, keratin, etc.. They are involved in immunity, digestion, oxygen transport, transmission of nerve impulses, etc..

Role of protein energy:

The latter role is the least important.

If depletion of carbohydrates and lipids, or in some cases, proteins are used as energy source. They can recover 4 kcal per gram of protein (as much as carbohydrates). This role remains low, and on average only 3% of the energy used by muscles derived proteins.

Given the large number of reactions and processes in which proteins are involved, it is well aware of their vital part of the body. They are not only for the muscles, and needless to say they are necessary!