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Protein Protein -- how important is it? Protein could be said to be the most important nutrient for your body. Protein is key to your immune system as well as every chemical reaction in your body from energy production to digestion to growth and tissue repair. Protein also makes up your body’s muscle, blood and plasma. Throw in hormones and DNA and it’s pretty obvious how important protein is to your body’s everyday functions. We need foods with protein to obtain amino acids--the building blocks that make up muscle, skin, hair, hormones, antibodies, cellular membranes, DNA and enzymes. There are 9 essential and 11 nonessential amino acids. Essential means that your body can’t manufacture them, so you need to obtain them from the foods you eat. How much protein do you need? The National Academy of Sciences Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of protein are:
At any age, the ideal protein source is one that contains all the amino acids in the required amounts, without excess. Animal foods, such as milk, meat, and fish provide all the essential amino acids in the right proportions for humans. Plant proteins (with the exception of soy) have low levels of one or more essential amino acids, but by combining plant foods that have complementary proteins, they can be used just as effectively. Sources of Protein:
It is important to note that protein can turn into fat if eaten in excess. Be “health wise” by eating a well-balanced diet with the proper intake of nutrients each day, and exercise regularly. We want you to feel good inside (and out)!
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