What Do Our Bodies Need Protein For? | Science Facts For Kids | Biology for Kids | The Human Body

What Do Our Bodies Need Protein For? | Science Facts For Kids | Biology for Kids | The Human Body

Pop over to https://learningmole.com/pricing/ to subscribe and access over 2500 fabulous educational videos AND we are offering the first 6 months subscription for just £1.99 p/m on all our student and teacher plans.

Welcome to this Learning Mole video!
In this video, we are going to learn about what our bodies use protein for and how it can be beneficial for our health.

Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in many functions within the body. Here's why our bodies need protein:

Growth and Repair: Protein is critical for the growth and repair of body tissues, including muscles, skin, hair, and nails. It's particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as in childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.

Immune Function: Proteins are used to make antibodies, which are essential components of the immune system. Antibodies help your body fight off infections and diseases by recognising and responding to specific antigens (foreign substances).

Hormone Production: Some hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone, are proteins. These hormones play key roles in regulating various bodily functions, including blood sugar levels and growth.

Enzyme Production: Many enzymes are proteins. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the body, allowing essential processes to occur, such as digestion and energy production.

Structural Role: Proteins such as collagen provide structure and support in tissues and organs. Keratin is another structural protein found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.

Transportation and Storage: Certain proteins help transport substances around the body. For example, haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

Energy Source: Although the body primarily uses carbohydrates and fats for energy, it can use protein as an energy source if necessary. Each gram of protein provides about 4 calories of energy.

Given these roles, it's crucial to consume adequate amounts of protein in your diet. The amount you need depends on factors like age, sex, activity level, and overall health. Sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

----
Don't forget to give this video a thumbs up 👍, share it with your friends, and subscribe to our channel for more amazing content from Learning Mole!

#science #biology #humanbody #education #learningmole #KidsEducation