Food pyramid isolated on whiteProtein forms structural tissues and compounds throughout the body, and they are continually being broken down and formed into new proteins, assisting our bodies to repair and grow. Proteins also form our genes, enzymes and also critical messenger molecules in our bodies such as hormones and neurotransmitters. They are also needed for making white blood cells, antibodies and immune chemical messengers such as interferon (an antiviral substance produced by T lymphocytes and macrophages). For absorption and use in the body, proteins are broken down into amino acids, from which proteins are formed. Amino acids meanwhile are classed as being essential, non-essential or conditionally essential Continue reading