Page 225 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

Sources of proteins
i. Animal sources

Egg, fish, meat, butter, cheese, milk, liver, etc.

ii. Plant sources
Peanuts, beans, pulses, cereals, oil seeds, cake, gram, yeast, green leafy vegetables,
legumes, etc.

Functions of proteins
i. They act as the building blocks of the body.
ii. They help to replace the worn-out and dead cells.
iii. They help to form the different types of hormones and enzymes in the body.
iv. They help to regulate metabolism.

v. They help to form antibodies and develop immunity in the body.
vi. They provide structure and support to the cells.
vii. They help to regulate osmotic pressure of the cells.

viii. They help to maintain balance between acid, base and water in the body.
ix. They help to keep the body physically fit and attractive.

Daily requirement of proteins
The daily requirement of proteins depends upon the physical, mental and psychological
condition, age, occupation, etc. It can be described as follows:
a. An adult requires 1 gram proteins per kg of his/her body weight.
b. An adolescent requires 2-2.5 gram proteins per kg of his/her body weight.
c. The infants and children require 3.5 gram protein per kg of his/her body weight.
d. The pregnant and breast feeding females require 100 gram protein per day.
e. Normally, 40-50 gram protein is required for the Nepalese.
f. Additional amount of proteins should be taken during accidents/injuries for quick
recovery.
Deficiency of proteins in the body results in:
a. lack of proper growth and development of the body.,

b. kwashiworkor.
c. improper absorption of other nutrients from the food.

C. Fats
Fats are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram fat releases 9 calorie
of energy in the body. We consume some amount of fats from our daily diet. It is the
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