Protein is one of the most important nutrients in our daily diet, as it plays an important role in the maintenance and repair of tissues, such as muscles, skin, organs and bones; in the production of enzymes and hormones, essential to regulate physiological processes, and in the provision of energy. Proteins are also key components of antibodies, which help defend the body against infections and diseases. They also collaborate in the transport and storage of nutrients.
Protein is made up of chains of amino acids, which are the essential building blocks of our body. There are 20 different amino acids, of which nine are considered essential, which means that our body cannot produce them and they must be obtained through the diet. The other eleven are non-essential, since our body can synthesize them.
Protein sources
Protein sources can be of animal or plant origin. Proteins of animal origin are considered complete proteins, since they contain all the essential amino acids in the appropriate proportions.
This also applies to cultivated meat, as nutritionally has a very similar protein profile to traditional meat, providing all the essential amino acids, with the added potential of being able to satisfy the increasing demand for proteins worldwide in an ethical and sustainable manner, significantly reducing environmental impact and respecting animal welfare.
In another hand, plant proteins are generally incomplete, meaning they lack one or more essential amino acids. However, by combining different plant sources throughout the day you can obtain a complete amino acid profile.
Daily protein requirements
Daily protein needs vary depending on age, sex, physical activity level, and other individual factors. The generally recommended amount is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for sedentary adults. However, active people, especially those doing resistance or strength training, may need more, reaching between 1.2 and 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. Paying attention to protein intake is especially important for those with increased needs, such as athletes, seniors, and those looking to improve their body composition. In any case, incorporating enough protein into our daily diet is essential to maintain a healthy state.
A growing demand and a solution
Historically, protein consumption has varied widely in different cultures and regions of the world, influenced by resource availability, dietary traditions, and socioeconomic conditions. In hunter-gatherer societies, protein came primarily from hunting, fishing, and gathering wild foods. With the agricultural revolution, protein sources began to diversify, including plant-based products such as legumes and grains, as well as animal proteins from domesticated animals. In many Asian cultures, plant proteins, especially soy-derived tofu and tempeh, have been essential for centuries. In contrast, traditional Western diets have tended to rely more on meat and dairy products.
Over time, advances in food technology and globalization have increased access to a variety of protein sources, allowing more people around the world to incorporate a greater diversity of proteins into their diets.
In fact, global demand for protein is increasing rapidly due to factors such as population growth, rising incomes and urbanization. As more people around the world adopt higher protein diets, especially in developing and emerging countries, pressure on agricultural and livestock resources also increases. This trend has led to a search for more sustainable and efficient protein sources, such as plant proteins, edible insects and cultured meat.
These alternatives not only help meet the growing demand for protein, but also offer environmental benefits, as they typically require less land, water, and emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional meat production.
Innovation in the production and diversification of protein sources is, therefore, essential to ensure a sufficient and sustainable food supply for the future.
