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Protein provides amino acids for basic body functions. Amino acids are combined in the body to create protein substances needed to form body tissues.The amino acids in protein are often referred to as the “building blocks” of life. Without protein, the most basic life functions cannot be carried out. Almost all of the cells in the body are constantly being broken down and then rebuilt; this process requires a steady supply of protein. Protein works in the body to build and repair body tissues such as muscles, bones and organs, blood, skin and hair and repairing damaged tissues due to illness or injury. It is necessary for clotting blood and for keeping the immune system strong by developing antibodies to fight disease.

Protein is also a major component of the body’s transportation system that carries oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells of the body. Sufficient protein is necessary to maintain proper fluid regulation; without protein to help fluids remain in their appropriate place in veins, arteries and cells, liquid can leak out into body extremities (feet and legs) and the abdominal cavity. (For example, this is what happens in Kwashiorkor.) During periods of high growth, such as pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence, extra protein is needed to provide for extra tissue development, in addition to keeping up the normal maintenance and repair of existing tissue, hormones and enzymes.

When body energy levels are low, the body will use protein for energy, but this is not the best use of protein. This takes protein away from performing its specific important functions. If energy intake is low for a long period of time, protein will be used for energy by breaking down the tissues and organs to meet energy needs...

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Activities

Protein in my diet

Go to the Ask yourself Work sheet “Protein in my diet”  (382kb) and fill in what you know about the importance of protein and protein in your diet and the foods you eat.

Tip: Look for more information on protein in the Fact sheet “Basic macronutrient facts: protein”  (379kb) 
Check the Answer Work sheet “Protein in my diet”  (382kb) to see if your answers are correct.

What foods are rich in protein? 

Go through the list of foods in the  Work sheet “Foods rich in protein”  (480kb) and underline or circle all the best sources of protein. Use the Fact sheet “Basic macronutrient facts: protein”  (379kb) for more information on protein.

Protein Poster

Look at the Fact sheet “Basic macronutrient facts: protein”  (379kb) and make a list of all protein foods available in the local markets and diets. Collect as many pictures of these foods as possible. You can draw local foods, take photos of them or cut out the illustrations from food labels, packages, newspapers or magazines.

Once you’ve collected the images, work together or in small groups and create a poster or a collage called “Main Sources of Protein”. Display the poster in your school next to the one on carbohydrates created previously.

Protein around the world

Traditional diets around the world include different foods rich in protein. They supply people with the building blocks of life – amino acids – and come from both animal and plant sources.

Choose a country located in each of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East North, Central and South America, Oceania. Conduct an investigation using the Internet, visiting a library, asking experts or using any other resources available and find out what protein-rich foods are commonly eaten in these countries.

Use your findings to fill in the  Work sheet “Protein around the world”  (724kb).

Download Part 2 Materials  (1.5Mb)

Materials

• Fact sheet “Basic macronutrient facts: protein” (379kb)
• Ask yourself Work sheet “Protein in my diet” (382kb)
• Answer Work sheet “Protein in my diet” (382kb)
• Work sheet “Foods rich in protein” (480kb)
• Work sheet “Protein around the world” (724kb)

Download Part 2 Materials  (1.5Mb)

Key Points

Review these three key points to remember about protein, its functions in the body and good food sources. See if you feel that your knowledge has improved and how you can apply it to your own diet and that of your family.

Protein

• Protein provides the “building blocks” of life - amino acids. Without protein, no life functions can be carried out. Life itself would not be possible.
• To meet the body’s protein needs, it is important to eat a variety of foods from both animal and plant sources.
• Foods rich in protein are all types of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, dried beans and peas and other legumes and nuts.