23/06/2026
Continuing Education
Let Us Continue Learning
Let Us Know Everything About Protein
Chapter 1
Whatever type of food we eat — whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian — it is already known that all foods contain three major nutrients in different proportions: Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat.
In Nutrition Science, these three nutrients are called Macronutrients because most of the food we consume mainly consists of these three nutrients.
Some foods may contain more carbohydrates, some may contain more fats, and some may contain more protein.
Apart from these three major nutrients, foods also contain Vitamins and Minerals in different amounts. These vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthy growth of the millions of cells that make up our body and also help strengthen our immune system.
Even though our daily requirement of vitamins is very small, if we do not get certain vitamins continuously, it can lead to problems like poor body growth, reduced immunity, and development of certain diseases.
So, even though vitamins and minerals are needed only in very small quantities, their importance is extremely high. These vitamins and minerals are called Micronutrients.
Apart from these, water and dietary fiber are also present in different proportions in most foods.
In this series of articles, we are going to talk completely about Protein. So, let us directly move into that topic. From now on, give your full attention.
What is Protein?
Carbohydrates and fats mainly provide energy to the body. But protein is different. It is essential for the growth and development of body tissues.
Protein plays a major role in producing enzymes, which are responsible for various chemical reactions happening inside the body, hormones, molecules that provide immunity, and many other important functions required for different organs and systems of the body.
Protein is extremely important for the growth and health of everything in our body — including blood cells, skin, hair, nails, and many things that we may not even think about.
You may have seen many advertisements on television, newspapers, magazines, and the internet saying:
“Are you losing hair? Use this oil or this product!”
They claim things like:
“Use it for three months and your hair fall will stop. You will grow 30,000 new hairs within two weeks!”
But if we only believe these advertisements and buy such products, many people end up disappointed.
One important fact that many people do not even consider is this:
If a person's diet does not contain enough protein, it can also lead to hair fall, poor nail growth, and unhealthy nails.
Protein is needed throughout the body. If the body does not receive enough protein through food, increasing protein intake through foods like eggs or other protein-rich sources may help improve conditions related to protein deficiency.
I am mentioning this only as an example. But understanding the importance of protein and including enough protein in your diet can bring positive changes.
In short, remember this:
From hair to nails, from internal organs to external body parts — protein is extremely important for growth, health, and overall well-being.
We already know that carbohydrates and fats are the first two sources that provide energy to the body.
But if, for any reason, the body does not receive enough carbohydrates and fats through food, it can even use the available protein as an energy source.
Normally, carbohydrates provide glucose, which gives energy to the body. But when carbohydrates are not available, the body breaks down protein and converts it into glucose to produce energy.
This process is called Gluconeogenesis in physiology.
Now imagine you are completely fasting. Or you are trapped in a snow-covered region or a dry desert area where no food is available.
Without food, gradually the body loses energy and eventually its functions start failing.
But the human body does not give up its life so easily.
Why do you know?
The body's first priority is not walking, running, playing, sexual activity, going to the market to buy vegetables, or dropping children at school.
The body's most important priority is:
To stay alive.
To protect life, the body will do whatever is necessary.
When the body understands that the chances of survival are decreasing due to lack of food, it starts using its own resources to survive.
Some may ask:
“What does that mean? How can the body eat itself?”
It is true.
Energy is essential for survival. When food is unavailable, the body slowly starts breaking down muscle cells, which contain a large amount of protein.
The protein from these muscle cells undergoes chemical changes inside the body and is converted into glucose. This glucose is then used to produce energy needed for survival.
Because of this process, a person who might have died earlier can survive for some more time.
If, during that period, the person trapped in a snowy region or dry forest finds food, the body can recover and survival becomes possible.
One important reason why people like social activist Anna Hazare survived long periods of fasting is that the body adapted by using its own stored resources for survival.
Protein is such an important nutrient.
We will learn many more interesting facts and useful information about protein in the upcoming chapters.
If you liked this first chapter, please share your thoughts.
As mentioned earlier, please share this with your friends too.
When I spend this much time sharing useful information and know that it reaches many people, it motivates me to bring more valuable information for you.
With the hope that you will support and share, I will post Chapter 2 here tomorrow.
I look forward to everyone's comments and feedback.
— JK - The Myth for you.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
