Protein
Synopsis of protein
Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients, alongside fats and carbohydrates, and is vital for nearly every biological function in the human body. Proteins are made up of amino acids, the "building blocks" of tissue, enzymes, hormones, and immune molecules. There are 20 amino acids, of which 9 are essential—meaning they must be obtained through the diet.
Proteins support the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues; they are involved in enzyme production, hormone regulation (e.g., insulin, growth hormone), immune responses (e.g., antibodies), muscle synthesis, and transport of nutrients (e.g., hemoglobin and albumin). Adequate protein intake is especially important for children, athletes, elderly individuals, and those recovering from illness or injury.
Dietary protein is found in both animal sources (meat, eggs, dairy, fish) and plant sources (legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, soy). Animal proteins are considered complete proteins, containing all essential amino acids, while many plant proteins are incomplete, though they can be combined to form a complete profile (e.g., rice and beans).
Protein supplements, such as whey, casein, collagen, soy, pea, and rice protein, are widely used to support muscle maintenance, weight management, metabolic health, and recovery from physical stress. Protein intake is also associated with satiety, helping regulate appetite and body composition.
Historical Use in Medicine:
The importance of protein was first recognized in the 19th century, when chemists like Justus von Liebig and Gerard Mulder studied its structure and role in growth and energy. The word "protein" is derived from the Greek proteios, meaning "primary" or "of first importance," reflecting its perceived foundational role in human nutrition.
In early 20th-century medicine, protein-rich diets were emphasized for treating malnutrition, tuberculosis, wasting diseases, and post-surgical recovery. Protein hydrolysates (predigested protein solutions) were developed for use in hospitals and were often administered to patients who couldn’t digest whole foods.
In traditional healing systems, while the biochemical concept of protein was not known, high-protein foods—such as meat broths, eggs, seeds, legumes, and dairy—were long used to restore strength, rebuild tissues, and promote vitality. In Ayurveda, for example, foods like mung beans, ghee, and milk were recommended to support ojas—the vital essence related to immunity and energy.
Protein is used for these health conditions
Abscesses (Scientific)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Anemia (Scientific)
Anorexia (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Scientific)
Appetite (excessive) (Scientific)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Bleeding (external) (Scientific)
Bleeding (internal) (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Broken Bones (Scientific)
Bruises (healing) (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Convalescence (Scientific)
Cuts (Scientific)
Debility (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Dislocation (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Exercise (Scientific)
Failure to Thrive (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Hepatitis (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Injuries (Scientific)
protein is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Hair (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Male Reproductive System (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nails (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Ovaries (Scientific)
Pancreas Head (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
Structural System (Scientific)
Testes (Scientific)
Thymus (Scientific)
Thyroid Gland (Scientific)
Uterus (Scientific)
