The word protein has been derived from the Greek which mean "to take first place". The ideal recommeded amount of protein required per day is 0,8-1g for every kilogram of body mass. If a mans weighs 75kg he should therefore consume 60 to 75g of protein per day. An egg contains 6,6g protein.
Egg protein is the best quality protein available and, as such, best able to fulfil all protein functions:
- In growing children protein builds new tissue whether it be body, muscle or brain tissue. When they hurt themselves it is the protein which repairs the damaged tissue. In adults catabolism or the demoilition of tissue occurs continuously and thus protein is essential for tissue repair.
- Protein forms an integral part of all body secretions and liquids excluding urine and bile. Enzymes, hormones, mucus, milk, semen and semen liquids all contain protein or amino acid components.
- Albumin, one of the proteins in the blood, maintains the ratio between the body liquids inside and outside cells and therefore a protein deficiency becomes visible as oeden or swelling as a result of excessive body liquid inside and between the cells.
- Protein maintains the acid alkaline balance in the blood and tissue. As protein has the exceptional ability to bind acid and alkaline, it is able to reduce the effect of, for example, too much acid.
- Plasma protein is responsible for trasportation of substances through the body. In this way, lipid-carrying protein transports triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholips and fatsoluble vitamins. Protein also binds iron, calcium, free fatty acids and medication to transport it through the blood.
- Resistance to illness is dependent on the working of protein in the form of immunoglobulin or antibodies.
- Diet protein supplies amino acids which are necessary for various metabolic processes. Thus the amoni acids tryptophane, tyrosine, choline, histidine and treonine are prototypes in the formation of nerve transmitter substances necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
