Proteins One of the basic principles therapeutic nutrition in oncological diseases is to ensure an adequate amount of protein in the diet, increased consumption of which is observed with the progression of the phenomena of hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism in patients with one or more

Proteins When using a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, cholesterol synthesis is also inhibited by proteins of plant origin, affecting the enzymatic mechanism of its formation. It is known that different sources of protein in food have different effects on

Proteins Proteins are involved in ensuring the body's energy balance and take part in the formation of enzymes and hormones. Sufficient protein content in food helps regulate the functions of the cerebral cortex, increases the tone of the central nervous

Proteins The role of proteins is extremely important. The amount of protein in the diet of a diabetic patient must correspond to physiological standards for healthy person. Proteins from food cannot be replaced by other nutrients. Slight excess of the norm

Proteins Protein foods include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, milk and fermented milk products. Protein is one of the most important components necessary for the formation and growth of new cells. Therefore, foods high in it are especially important in childhood and adolescence.

Proteins: building material for the body Proteins are part of all cells of any living organism. These are complex polymer molecules that consist of simpler compounds - amino acids. The combination of various amino acids determines the properties of proteins, including their

Proteins are high-molecular nitrogen compounds, the main and essential part of all organisms. Protein substances are involved in all vital processes. For example, metabolism is ensured by enzymes, which by their nature are proteins. Proteins are also contractile structures necessary to perform the contractile function of muscles - actomyosin; supporting tissues of the body - collagen of bones, cartilage, tendons; integumentary tissues of the body - skin, nails, hair

Among the many nutrients, proteins play the most important role. They serve as a source of essential amino acids and the so-called nonspecific nitrogen necessary for protein synthesis. The level of protein supply largely determines the state of health, physical development, physical performance, and in young children - mental development. Protein sufficiency in diet and its high quality allow you to create optimal conditions internal environment of the body, necessary for growth, development, normal functioning of a person and his performance. Under the influence of protein deficiency, such pathological conditions like swelling and fatty liver; disruption of the functional state of the internal secretion organs, especially the gonads, adrenal glands and pituitary gland; violation of conditioned reflex activity and internal inhibition processes; decreased immunity; nutritional dystrophy. Proteins consist of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen, which are part of amino acids - the main structural components squirrel. Proteins differ in the level of amino acid content and the sequence of their connection. There are animal and plant proteins.

Unlike fats and carbohydrates, proteins contain, in addition to carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, nitrogen - 16%. Therefore, they are called nitrogen-containing nutrients. The animal body needs proteins in finished form, since it cannot synthesize them, like plants, from inorganic substances in the soil and air. The source of protein for humans is food substances of animal and plant origin. Proteins are necessary primarily as plastic material; this is their main function: they make up a total of 45% of the dense remainder of the body.

In the process of life, constant aging and death of individual cellular structures occurs, and food proteins serve as building materials for their restoration. Oxidation of 1 g of protein in the body provides 4.1 kcal of energy. This is its energy function. Protein is of great importance for higher nervous activity person. A normal protein content in food improves the regulatory function of the cerebral cortex and increases the tone of the central nervous system.

With a lack of protein in the diet, a number of pathological changes occur: the growth and development of the body slows down, weight decreases; the formation of hormones is disrupted; the body's reactivity and resistance to infections and intoxications decreases.

The nutritional value of food proteins depends primarily on their amino acid composition and completeness of utilization in the body. There are 22 known amino acids, each with a special meaning. The absence or deficiency of any of them leads to disruption of certain body functions (growth, hematopoiesis, weight, protein synthesis, etc.). The following amino acids are especially valuable: lysine, histidine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine, valine. For small children great importance has histidine.

Some amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body and replaced by others. They are called irreplaceable. Depending on the content of nonessential and essential amino acids, food proteins are divided into complete, the amino acid composition of which is close to the amino acid composition of proteins in the human body and contains all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities, and into incomplete, which lack one or more essential amino acids. Animal proteins are the most complete, especially yolk proteins. chicken egg, meat and fish. Among plant proteins, soybean proteins and, to a somewhat lesser extent, beans, potatoes and rice have high biological value. Incomplete proteins are found in peas, bread, corn and some other plant foods.

Physiological and hygienic standards of protein requirements. These standards are based on the minimum amount of protein that is capable of maintaining the nitrogen balance of the human body, i.e., the amount of nitrogen introduced into the body with food proteins is equal to the amount of nitrogen excreted from it in the urine per day.

Daily consumption of dietary protein should fully ensure the body's nitrogen balance while fully satisfying the body's energy needs, ensure the integrity of body proteins, maintain high performance of the body and its resistance to adverse factors. external environment. Proteins, unlike fats and carbohydrates, are not stored in the body in reserve and must be introduced daily with food in sufficient quantities.

The physiological daily protein requirement depends on age, gender and professional activity. For example, for men it is 96-132 g, for women - 82-92 g. These are the norms for residents of large cities. For residents of small towns and villages engaged in more difficult physical work, the norm is daily consumption protein increases by 6 g. The intensity of muscle activity does not affect nitrogen metabolism, but it is necessary to ensure sufficient for such forms physical work development of the muscular system and maintaining its high performance

Cells are the building blocks of the body. They make up tissues, glands, systems and, finally, the body.

Cells

There are cells different forms and sizes, but for all of them there is a general structure diagram.

The cell consists of protoplasm, a colorless, transparent jelly-like substance consisting of 70% water and various organic and inorganic substances. Most cells consist of three main parts: an outer shell called the membrane, a center called the nucleus, and a semi-fluid layer called the cytoplasm.

1. The cell membrane is made up of fats and proteins; it is semi-permeable, i.e. allows substances such as oxygen and carbon monoxide to pass through.
2. The nucleus consists of a special protoplasm called nucleoplasm. The kernel is often called " information center» cells because it contains all the information about the growth, development and functioning of the cell in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA contains the material necessary for the development of chromosomes, which carry hereditary information from the mother cell to the daughter cell. Human cells have 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. The nucleus is surrounded by a membrane that separates it from other structures of the cell.
3. The cytoplasm contains many structures called organiella, or "little organs", which include: mitochondria, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and centrioles:

• Mitochondria are spherical, elongated structures that are often called "energy centers" because they provide the cell with the force needed to produce energy.
• Ribosomes are granular formations, a source of protein necessary for the cell to grow and repair.
• The Golgi apparatus consists of 4-8 interconnected sacs that produce, sort and deliver proteins to other parts of the cell, for which they are a source of energy.
• Lysosomes are spherical structures that produce substances to get rid of damaged or worn-out parts of the cell. They are the “cleaners” of the cell.
• The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of channels through which substances are transported within the cell.
• Centrioles are two thin cylindrical structures located at right angles. They are involved in the formation of new cells.

Cells do not exist independently; they work in groups of similar cells - tissues.

Fabrics

Epithelial tissue

The walls and covers of many organs and vessels consist of epithelial tissue; There are two types of it: simple and complex.

Simple epithelial tissue consists of a single layer of cells, which come in four types:

• Squamous: flat cells lie scale-like, edge to edge, in a row, like a tiled floor. Scaly integument is found on parts of the body that are little subject to wear and tear, such as the walls of the alveoli of the lungs in the respiratory system and the walls of the heart, blood and lymph vessels in the circulatory system.
• Cuboid: Cuboidal cells arranged in a row form the walls of some glands. This tissue allows fluid to pass through during secretion processes, such as when sweat is secreted from the sweat gland.
• Columnar: A series of tall cells that form the walls of many organs of the digestive and urinary systems. Among the columnar cells are goblet-shaped cells, which produce a watery fluid called mucus.
• Ciliated: A single layer of squamous, cuboidal, or columnar cells bearing projections called cilia. All the cilia continuously make wave-like movements in one direction, which allows substances, such as mucus or unnecessary substances, to move along them. The walls of the organs of the respiratory system and reproductive organs. 2. Complex epithelial tissue consists of many layers of cells and comes in two main types.

Stratified - many layers of scaly, cuboidal or columnar cells from which a protective layer is formed. The cells are either dry and hardened or moist and soft. In the first case, the cells are keratinized, i.e. they dried to form a fibrous protein called keratin. Soft cells are not keratinized. Examples of hard cells: the top layer of skin, hair and nails. Coverings of soft cells - the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue.
Transitional - similar in structure to non-keratinized stratified epithelium, but the cells are larger and rounder. This makes the fabric elastic; from it are formed such organs as bladder, that is, those that should stretch.

Both simple and complex epithelium, must be attached to connective tissue. The junction of the two tissues is known as the inferior membrane.

Connective tissue

It can be solid, semi-solid and liquid. There are 8 types of connective tissue: areolar, adipose, lymphatic, elastic, fibrous, cartilaginous, bone and blood.

1. Areolar tissue is semi-solid, permeable, located throughout the body, being a connective and supporting tissue for other tissues. It consists of protein fibers collagen, elastin and reticulin, which provide its strength, elasticity and durability.
2. Adipose tissue is semi-solid and is present in the same place as the areolar tissue, forming an insulating subcutaneous layer that helps the body retain heat.
3. Lymphatic tissue is semi-solid and contains cells that protect the body by absorbing bacteria. Lymphatic tissue forms those organs that are responsible for controlling the health of the body.
4. Elastic fabric - semi-solid, is the basis of elastic fibers that can stretch and, if necessary, restore their shape. An example is the stomach.
5. Fibrous tissue is strong and hard, consisting of connective fibers from the protein collagen. This tissue makes up the tendons that connect muscles and bones, and the ligaments that connect bones to each other.
6. Cartilage is a tough tissue that provides bonding and protection in the form of hyaline cartilage that connects bones to joints, fibrocartilage that connects bones to the spine, and elastic cartilage in the ear.
7. Bone tissue is hard. It consists of a hard, dense compact layer of bone and somewhat less dense cancellous bone, which together form the skeletal system.
8. Blood is a liquid substance consisting of 55% plasma and 45% cells. Plasma makes up the main liquid mass of blood, and the cells in it perform protective and connecting functions.

Muscle

Muscle tissue allows the body to move. There are skeletal, visceral and cardiac types of muscle tissue.

1. Skeletal muscle tissue is grooved. It is responsible for conscious movement of the body, such as walking.
2. Visceral muscle tissue is smooth. It is responsible for involuntary movements such as moving food through the digestive system.
3. Cardiac muscle tissue provides the pulsation of the heart - the heartbeat.

Nervous tissue

Nerve tissue looks like bundles of fibers; it is composed of two types of cells: neurons and neuroglia. Neurons are long, sensitive cells that receive and respond to signals. Neuroglia support and protect neurons.

Organs and glands

In body tissue different types connect and form organs and glands. Organs have a special structure and function; they are composed of tissues of two or more types. The organs include the heart, lungs, liver, brain and stomach. The glands are made of epithelial tissue and produce special substances. There are two types of glands: endocrine and exocrine. Endocrine glands are called endocrine glands because... they release the substances they produce - hormones - directly into the blood. Exocrine (exocrine glands) - into channels, for example, sweat from the corresponding glands through the corresponding channels reaches the surface of the skin.

Body systems

Groups of interconnected organs and glands that perform similar functions form the body's systems. These include: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory (respiratory), circulatory (circulatory), digestive, genitourinary, nervous and endocrine.

Organism

In the body, all systems work together to ensure human life.

Reproduction

Meiosis: A new organism is formed by the fusion of a male sperm and a female egg. Both the egg and the sperm contain 23 chromosomes, and the whole cell contains twice as many. When fertilization occurs, the egg and sperm fuse to form a zygote, which
46 chromosomes (23 from each parent). The zygote divides (mitosis), and an embryo, a fetus, and, finally, a person are formed. During this development, cells acquire individual functions (some of them become muscle, others bone, etc.).

Mitosis- simple cell division - continues throughout life. There are four stages of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.

1. During prophase, each of the cell's two centrioles divides, moving to opposite parts of the cell. At the same time, the chromosomes in the nucleus form pairs, and the nuclear membrane begins to break down.
2. During metaphase, chromosomes are located along the cell axis between the centrioles, and at the same time the protective membrane of the nucleus disappears.
   During anaphase, centrioles continue to move apart. Individual chromosomes begin to move in opposite directions, following the centrioles. The cytoplasm in the center of the cell narrows and the cell shrinks. The process of cell division is called cytokinesis.
3. During telophase, the cytoplasm continues to shrink until two identical daughter cells are formed. A new protective membrane is formed around the chromosomes, and each new cell has one pair of centrioles. Immediately after division, the resulting daughter cells do not have enough organelles, but as they grow, called interphase, they are completed before the cells divide again.

The frequency of cell division depends on its type, for example, skin cells multiply faster than bone cells.

Selection

Unnecessary substances are formed as a result of respiration and metabolism and must be removed from the cell. The process of their removal from the cell follows the same pattern as the absorption of nutrients.

Movement

The small hairs (cilia) of some cells move, and entire blood cells move throughout the body.

Sensitivity

Cells play a huge role in the formation of tissues, glands, organs and systems, which we will study in detail as we continue our journey through the body.

Possible violations

Diseases occur as a result of cell destruction. As the disease progresses, this affects tissues, organs and systems and can affect the entire body.

Cells can be destroyed for a number of reasons: genetic (hereditary diseases), degenerative (with aging), depending on the environment, for example, when too much high temperatures, or chemical (poisoning).

• Viruses can only exist in living cells, which they hijack and multiply in, causing infections such as colds (herpes virus).
• Bacteria can live outside the body and are divided into pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Pathogenic bacteria are harmful and cause diseases such as impetigo, while non-pathogenic bacteria are harmless: they maintain the health of the body. Some such bacteria live on the surface of the skin and protect it.
• Fungi use other cells to live; they are also pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Pathogenic fungi are, for example, foot fungi. Some non-pathogenic fungi are used in the production of antibiotics, including penicillin.
• Worms, insects and mites are pathogens. These include worms, fleas, lice, and scabies mites.

Microbes are contagious, i.e. can be transmitted from person to person during infection. Infection can occur through personal contact, such as touching, or through contact with a contaminated instrument, such as a hair brush. Symptoms of illness may include: inflammation, fever, swelling, allergic reactions and tumors.

• Inflammation - redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of ability to function normally.
• Fever is increased body temperature.
• Edema is swelling resulting from excess fluid in the tissue.
• A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. It can be benign (not dangerous) or malignant (can progress to death).

Diseases can be classified into local and systemic, hereditary and acquired, acute and chronic.

• Local - diseases that affect a specific part or area of ​​the body.
• Systemic - diseases in which the entire body or several parts of it are affected.
• Hereditary diseases are already present at birth.
• Acquired diseases develop after birth.
• Acute - diseases that occur suddenly and pass quickly.
• Chronic diseases are long-term.

Liquid

The human body is 75% water. Most of this water found in cells is called intracellular fluid. The rest of the water is contained in the blood and mucus and is called extracellular fluid. The amount of water in the body is related to the content of adipose tissue, as well as gender and age. Fat cells do not contain water, so thin people have a higher percentage of water in their bodies than those who are fat. fat layer. In addition, women usually have more fat tissue than men. With age, water content decreases (most of all water is in the bodies of infants). Most of the water comes from food and drink. Another source of water is dissimilation during the metabolic process. A person's daily need for water is about 1.5 liters, i.e. the same amount as the body loses per day. Water leaves the body through urine, feces, sweat and breathing. If the body loses more water than it receives, dehydration occurs. The balance of water in the body is regulated by thirst. When the body becomes dehydrated, the mouth feels dry. The brain reacts to this signal with thirst. There is a desire to drink in order to restore the balance of fluid in the body.

Rest

Every day there is a time when a person can sleep. Sleep is rest for the body and brain. During sleep, the body is partially conscious, most of its parts temporarily suspend their work. The body needs this time of complete rest to “recharge its batteries.” The need for sleep depends on age, type of activity, lifestyle and stress level. It is also individual for each person and varies from 16 hours a day for infants to 5 for older people. Sleep occurs in two phases: slow and fast. NREM sleep is deep, dreamless, and accounts for about 80% of all sleep. During REM sleep, we dream, usually three to four times a night, lasting up to an hour.

Activity

Along with sleep, the body needs activity to stay healthy. The human body has cells, tissues, organs and systems responsible for movement, some of which are controlled. If a person does not take advantage of this opportunity and prefers a sedentary lifestyle, controlled movements become limited. As a result of insufficient physical activity mental activity may decrease, and the phrase “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” applies to both the body and the mind. The balance between rest and activity is different for different body systems and will be discussed in the appropriate chapters.

Air

Air is a mixture of atmospheric gases. It consists of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and another 1% other gases, including carbon dioxide. In addition, the air contains a certain amount of moisture, impurities, dust, etc. When we inhale, we consume air, using approximately 4% of the oxygen contained in it. In the process of oxygen consumption, it is formed carbon dioxide, so the air we exhale has more carbon monoxide and less oxygen. The level of nitrogen in the air does not change. Oxygen is essential to sustain life; without it, all creatures would die in a matter of minutes. Other air components may be harmful to health. Air pollution levels vary; Inhalation of contaminated air should be avoided whenever possible. For example, when air containing tobacco smoke is inhaled, passive smoking occurs, which can have negative effects on the body. The art of breathing is something that is most often greatly underestimated. It will evolve so that we can make full use of this natural ability.

Age

Aging is the progressive deterioration of the body's ability to respond to maintaining homeostasis. Cells are capable of self-reproduction by mitosis; it is believed that they are programmed with a certain time during which they reproduce. This is confirmed by the gradual slowdown and eventual cessation of vital important processes. Another factor influencing the aging process is the effect of free radicals. Free radicals are toxic substances that accompany energy metabolism. These include pollution, radiation and some foods. They cause harm to certain cells because it is not their ability to metabolize that is affected. nutrients and get rid of decay products. So, aging causes noticeable changes in human anatomy and physiology. In this process of gradual deterioration, the body's susceptibility to disease increases, creating physical and emotional symptoms that are difficult to combat.

Color

Color is a necessary part of life. Every cell needs light to survive, and light contains color. Plants need light to produce oxygen, which humans need to breathe. Radioactive solar energy provides the nutrition needed for the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of human life. Changes in light entail changes in the body. Thus, sunrise awakens our body, while sunset and the associated disappearance of light causes drowsiness. Light has both visible and invisible colors. About 40% sun rays carry visible colors that appear that way due to differences in their frequencies and wavelengths. Visible colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet - the colors of the rainbow. Combined, these colors form light.

Light enters the body through the skin and eyes. The eyes, stimulated by light, send a signal to the brain, which interprets the colors. The skin senses different vibrations produced by different colors. This process for the most part subconscious, but it can be brought to a conscious level by training the perception of colors with the hands and fingers, which is sometimes called “color therapy.”

A certain color can produce only one effect on the body, depending on the length of its waves and vibration frequency, in addition, different colors are associated with in different parts bodies. We will look at them in more detail in the following chapters.

Knowledge

Knowing the terms of anatomy and physiology will help you better understand the human body.

Anatomy refers to the structure, and there are special terms that refer to anatomical concepts:

• Front - located in the front of the body
• Rear - located at the back of the body
• Inferior – pertaining to the lower part of the body
• Upper - located above
• External - located outside the body
• Internal - located inside the body
• Lying supine - overturned on back, face up
• Prone - placed face down
• Deep - below the surface
• Superficial - lying near the surface
• Longitudinal - located along the length
• Transverse - lying across
• Midline - the center line of the body, from the crown to the toes
• Middle - located in the middle
• Lateral - distant from the middle
• Peripheral - furthest from the attachment
• Nearest - closest to the attachment

Physiology refers to functioning.

It uses the following terms:

• Histology - cells and tissues
• Dermatology - integumentary system
• Osteology - skeletal system
• Myology - muscular system
• Cardiology - heart
• Hematology - blood
• Gastroenterology - digestive system
• Gynecology - female reproductive system
• Nephrology - urinary system
• Neurology - nervous system
• Endocrinology - excretory system

Special care

Homeostasis is a state in which cells, tissues, organs, glands, and organ systems work in harmony with themselves and with each other.

This collaboration provides best conditions for the health of individual cells, its maintenance - necessary condition for the well-being of the whole body. One of the main factors influencing homeostasis is stress. Stress can be external, for example temperature fluctuations, noise, lack of oxygen, etc., or internal: pain, anxiety, fear, etc. The body itself fights daily stress; it has effective countermeasures for this. And yet you need to keep the situation under control so that an imbalance does not occur. Serious imbalances caused by excessive, prolonged stress can undermine your health.

Cosmetic and wellness treatments help the client become aware of the effects of stress, perhaps in time, and further therapy and advice from a specialist prevent the occurrence of imbalances and help maintain homeostasis.

The basic structural unit of a living thing is the cell.

An elementary unit of all living things, therefore it has the properties of living organisms: a highly ordered structure, metabolism, irritability, growth, development, reproduction, regeneration and other properties.

Structure.

The cytoplasm forms a number of specific structures. These are intercellular connections, microvilli, cilia, cellular processes.

Intercellular connections (contacts) are divided into simple and complex. With simple connection, the cytoplasm of neighboring cells forms projections that connect the cells. There is always an intercellular gap between the cytoplasms. In complex junctions, cells are connected using fibers, and there is almost no distance between cells. Microvilli are finger-like cell extensions devoid of organelles. Cilia and flagella perform the function of movement. Mitochondria contain substances rich in energy and participate in the processes cellular respiration

and converting energy into a form available for use by the cell.

The cell consists of cytoplasm and nucleus, and the outside is covered with a membrane (3), through which the exchange of substances between cells occurs.

Cytoplasm(4) is a viscous semi-liquid substance that includes organelles that perform different functions. Mitochondria (7) release energy, the network of tubules (5) is the “road” that ensures the exchange of substances between organelles in the cell, ribosomes (2) are the place of protein formation, the cell center (1) is used by the cell during division, the nucleus (8) contains chromatin.

chemical elements

, such as oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, iron, magnesium, zinc, iodine, phosphorus, are involved in the creation of vital organic compounds.

Organic compounds form up to 20-30% of the mass of each cell. Among organic compounds, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids are of greatest importance.

Proteins are the main substances of the cell. Proteins are the most complex organic substances found in nature, although they consist of a relatively small number of chemical elements - carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur.

The protein molecule is large and consists of a chain consisting of tens and hundreds of simpler compounds - amino acids. Proteins serve as the main building material. They participate in the formation of cell membranes, nucleus, cytoplasm, and organelles. Many proteins act as accelerators of chemical reactions - enzymes. Proteins have a diverse structure.

There are up to 1000 different proteins in just one cell.

DNA determines the composition of cell proteins and the transmission of hereditary traits and properties from parents to offspring. The functions of RNA are associated with the formation of proteins characteristic of this cell.

Life activity. In the cell, biosynthesis occurs (the creation of complex organic compounds), the exchange of substances between the cell and the environment, as a result of which the composition of the cell is constantly updated: some substances are formed in them, others are destroyed. The cell is also capable of responding to external and internal influences - stimuli called irritability. One of the most important types of cell activity is its ability to reproduce. With the help of reproduction, our body develops, grows, and renews itself. The basis of organism reproduction is cell reproduction. There are two methods of reproduction - direct and indirect.

During direct division, the cell nucleus is divided into two parts without any special changes, but this happens extremely rarely in the body. Cells usually divide indirectly. This is a complex process consisting of several phases. Division occurs within approximately 0.5 hours. During cell division, a special substance - chromatin - is transferred to the daughter cell, the hereditary material of the cell is accurately and completely distributed. That is why daughter cells are so similar to the mother cell. various substances. And there are only two natural ways in which these substances can enter the body. The first path is intended for only one, but the most important element - oxygen. All other substances must enter the body orally 1. Other routes of introducing substances into the body are unnatural and should be used only in situations where the oral route is either impossible or impractical.

The purpose of substances entering the body with food is different. In this article we will look at everything through the eyes of a builder. What components does the human body consist of? What does it contain and in what quantities?

№1 WATER

Most of all we have is water. In a mammal's body, water makes up more than half of its body weight. It is not only the only environment in which all biochemical reactions occur. It is also the building material of any “part” of the body: from blood, muscles and brain (where there is a lot of it) to nails and hair (where there is little). Accordingly, more water should enter the body than other substances.

The peculiarity of drinking water is that only 20% of it is “built into” the cells, and 80% passes through in transit, “washing out” metabolic products.

Therefore, water should be given deserved special attention and therefore, we put water No. 1 in the ranking of structural nutrients.

№2 PROTEINS

Many people know that proteins are the “building” material for muscles. But, skeletal muscles is just one of many organs that contain proteins. Internal organs(digestive, respiratory, urinary, circulatory organs) also consist primarily of proteins. And the presence of proteins in them is much more important than in skeletal muscles, because striated muscles are not a vital organ. (Well, a person can live with uninflated biceps). Also, protein substances make up up to 40% of the composition of bones. In total, the human body contains about 15% proteins. Total: 2nd place.

№3 LIPIDS (fats)

Perhaps many readers will be surprised, but the third place in the ranking of “building materials” belongs to lipids (in simple terms - fats). For many people, lipids are associated with subcutaneous fats. And this is not surprising, because a person’s physical attractiveness greatly depends on the thickness of this “subcutaneous layer.” The percentage of lipids in the body can vary greatly due to the fats (simple lipids) of subcutaneous tissue and internal fat (pericolate and pericardial). Such “variations” are possible due to the fact that fats (= triglycerides), in addition to their structural function, also perform an energy function. And the extent to which a person can “store energy” is best illustrated by the population of the United States, where every third resident is obese.

In addition to triglycerides, there are more important “followers” ​​of them in the body - complex lipids: phospholipids, glycolipids, steroids, etc.

Phospholipids (lipids combined with phosphoric acid) form the cell walls of all cells of living matter. And their presence determines whether the cell can correctly “let in” and “release” other substances from itself. There are many phospholipids in nervous tissue and, especially, in the brain. And therefore, the advice to eat fish and cottage cheese to improve memory becomes clear.

Sex hormones (and other hormones of the adrenal cortex) consist of steroids, and all sexually mature individuals are aware of their importance.

Lipids are also the basis for the structure of immune cells, especially those responsible for “anti-tumor” immunity.

Therefore, never limit yourself in dietary fats (but know when to limit). “Acceptable” is considered to be a lipid content in food and in the body of up to 25%.

No. 4 MACRO- and MICROELEMENTS

Macro- and microelements are chemical elements and their various compounds. Most often these are metals and their salts.

From the “English” languages ​​the term “ minerals». (You can read about its incorrectness in the article “” on Wikipedia).

In addition to the many functions they perform, macro- and microelements are plastic 2 materials. For example, the body contains more than 1 kg of calcium and almost all of it is found in bones and teeth. The body “loses” and “recovers” 70-80% of calcium every day. And the problem of “not restoring” this element is very great: about 150 human diseases are associated with calcium deficiency. This is why there is so much talk about calcium.

In addition to calcium, the structural elements are phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and other elements, the amount of which in the body is small, but their role is enormous.

№5 CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are a “terrible thing”, everyone is afraid of them. All females, for whom beauty physical body is the #1 factor for achieving happiness in life. And their understanding of the processes occurring in their bodies is brought up by glossy magazines.

Carbohydrates in the diet 3 should contain about 55% 4, and the body contains no more than 1.5% of them (in the form of glycogen and in the composition of DNA, RNA, ATP).

As can be seen in the example of carbohydrates: the number of structural elements of the body does not depend on the amount of nutrients consumed . Everyone has their own purpose.

Bottom line

Let us recall that this article dealt only with those elements of the human body that come with food and only with those quantities that perform a structural function. For example, there may be significantly more lipids in the body than proteins (this is especially true for women and is their physiological feature), but the plastic role is played more by proteins, and fats, with their noticeable mass, are “canned” energy for future use.

So, to summarize:

Water > 65%

Proteins - 14-15%

Lipids - 12-25%

Minerals –5%

Carbohydrates - 1.5%

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the total percentage content of nutrients in the body (excluding functions performed). It is impossible to know exactly how many of them are plastic and which have a different purpose. This situation is most clearly illustrated by lipids: they perform structural, energetic, thermal insulation and regulatory functions. After all, the same amounts of lipids are multifunctional.

In addition, the values ​​given here are averages and relative values. Factors such as age, gender, body type, and type of activity are not taken into account. And they can influence the content and change the above indicators within wide limits. And for most women over twenty, proteins and lipids would change places in our ranking.

The presented “rating” will not be published by a reputable American magazine , a famous radio station won’t talk about him , it will not be shown on a TV channel with an audience of millions. Despite its importance and significance, the popularity of nutrition information in the media is low. Thank you for showing interest in this topic, thank you for being “others”. ■

Notes

1 Orally(from lat.) - through the mouth.
2 Under "construction" substances should be understood as “structural” or “plastic”.
3 Diet- a set of products for a certain period (most often for a day).
4 Percentage of main components It is customary to calculate food based on their total calorie content.

5 Nutrients= nutrients.

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