How Many Calories from Protein

Every macronutrient contains some amount of calories. Protein too offers its share of calories; each gram of protein contains 4 Calories. The body of a human makes use of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to get energy. Out of these, protein is the very last energy source that is used by the body although it is a good energy source. Not only this, proteins also offer more health advantages as compared to the fats and carbohydrates. However, there are certain negative impacts that excessive consumption of proteins as a source of energy, may cause.

Proteins are not used directly for energy by the human body; it rather makes use of the protein components called amino acids. When proteins are consumed by a person, his digestive tract smashes the proteins with the help of stomach acids and some specific kind of proteins called enzymes in order to give in amino acids. The intestines of a person’s body absorb the amino acids and burn these for energy. These are also used by the intestines to generate more proteins for the body. Various food items including Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish, Eggs, Milk, Soft Cheese, Yogurt, Cottage cheese, Hard cheese, Soy beans, Split beans, Almonds, Peanut butter, Cashews, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, etc can be consumed to get proteins.

There are certain advantages that you get on consuming proteins as a source of energy as compared to carbohydrates and fat. Consumption of carbohydrates raises the blood glucose level which results in the insulin release from the pancreas. Continuous consumption of carbohydrate rich diet may increase the insulin levels tremendously causing a threat of diabetes. High consumption of fat is also not good for health. Therefore, the consumption of proteins is encouraged. However, excessive consumption of proteins may also not be good. Therefore it is suggested to maintain a balance of all three in your diet in order to acquire the required energy level.