Proteins affect most things within us!

Proteins are the body's building blocks. They affect almost everything that happens inside an individual, from muscle contraction to cell signaling and immune response. In short, we need protein to keep us healthy and alive. Something that can be taken from the Sami way of life is that from time immemorial the nomadic Sami were self-sufficient, i.e. those who only devoted themselves to reindeer herding. They got all the nutrients they needed through reindeer meat, including omega-3. Those who only fish had to go över till kött, otherwise they were out at sea from malnutrition. But what exactly are proteins, and why are they so important? Let us help you understand these small molecules a little better!

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play an important role in the functioning of all living things. They are made up of smaller units called amino acids linked together in long chains. There are 20 different amino acids that can be used to make proteins, and each protein has a unique sequence of amino acids that determine its function.

How do proteins work?

Proteins perform a number of important tasks in the body. Certain proteins act as enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions in the body. Other proteins function as components in cells, tissues and organs. While some others transport molecules or signals from one part of the body to another. And finally, certain proteins also act as antibodies that help the body fight infections.

Why are proteins important?

Proteins are important because they perform important functions in the body. Without proteins, our bodies would not be able to grow, repair damage or maintain correct pH levels. In addition, proteins play an important role in the immune system by helping to destroy pathogens that invade our bodies. In addition, proteins provide energy and help regulate metabolism by transferring electrons between molecules.

How much protein do we need?

The recommended daily intake for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, or approximately 55 grams per day for an average adult. However, this number is only the minimum amount of protein you need to maintain good health; it does not take into account factors such as age, activity level or muscle mass. For example, athletes and the elderly tend to need more protein than the recommended daily intake, as they have more muscle mass and/or lose muscle mass due to ageing. However, sedentary people can get away with eating a little less protein than the recommended daily intake. In general, most people need between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day.

Sources of protein

There are two main types of protein: animal and plant-based. Animal proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. Plant-based proteins include soy products such as tofu, as well as beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Most people get enough protein from their diet without needing to supplement with powders or shakes: in fact, too much protein can be harmful to your health. If you are worried about not getting enough protein, focus on eating nutritious foods from all food groups. And if you're still unsure about how much protein you should eat every day, talk to a dietician for advice.

There are many protein-rich foods that are easy to add to your everyday meals. For breakfast you can have eggs, or mix protein powder into oatmeal. For lunch and dinner, the possibilities are endless: fried chicken or fish, lentils, quinoa, tofu, etc. You can even get protein between meals with snacks such as nuts, nut butter, seeds and dried meat.

A classic myth about protein is that eating a lot of protein helps build muscle, which is not true. It is, however, true that you need protein to build muscle mass, but eating more leads to bigger muscles. This is because your muscles can only use a certain amount of protein at a time; överskott will either be used for energy or stored as fat. So if you want to bulk up, focus on strength training instead of increasing your intake of beef and protein powder.