Protein role in mental health

Protein provides us with the raw materials that make up all of our body tissues. Our organs, muscles, nails, hair, hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and blood cells are all made from protein. Protein is made up of amino acids and when we eat proteins, our body breaks them down to the amino acid components which it then reassembles to form the various proteins needed for all the different body parts and functions.

The human body uses 20 amino acids. They are the building blocks for proteins and there are many different combinations of these 20 amino acids that make up the various proteins needed for every aspect of our bodily functions.
Of these 20 amino acids, 9 are essential which means that they have to be obtained from food as they cannot be made at all or cannot be made in sufficient amounts to meet the body’s need. The other, non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body if they need to be.
So, obviously protein is necessary for proper functioning of our bodies and it is often associated with body builders and people who exercise a lot, but what about our brains and our mental health?
The brain and its long spidery neurons are essentially made of fat, but they communicate with each other via proteins. The hormones and enzymes that cause chemical changes and control all body processes are made of protein. Key neurotransmitters (except acetylcholine) are made from amino acids (obtained from protein). The amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine are the precursors for the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, nervous system function, anxiety, sexual function, immune function, alertness, motivation, concentration, memory, learning, appetite, blood pressure and more.
Include protein at every meal to ensure a continuous supply of the