While the popular practice is to monitor levels of calories, sugar or sodium intake, watching protein . Protein is a key nutrient that plays an important role in creation and maintenance of cells in your body.
What is protein?
Protein is made up of amino acids, commonly known as building blocks, because they are attached in long chains. It is also considered a “macronutrient,” meaning that you need relatively large amounts of it to stay healthy.
How often should you consume protein
It is important that you consume protein every day as daily protein intake plays a role in keeping your cells in good shape and should be part of your daily meal plan.
Fun fact: Your hair and nails are mostly comprised of protein.
5 compelling reasons why you need protein in your diet
1. Building. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage and skin.
2. Repairing. Your body uses it to build and repair tissue.
3. Oxygenating. Red blood cells contain a protein compound that carries oxygen throughout the body. This helps supply your entire body with the nutrients it needs.
4. Digesting. About half the dietary protein that you consume each day goes into making enzymes, which aids in digesting food, and making new cells and body chemicals.
5. Regulating. Protein plays an important role in hormone regulation, especially during the transformation and development of cells during puberty.
5 benefits of including protein in your diet.
- Speeds recovery after exercise and/or injury
- Reduces muscle loss
- Builds lean muscle
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Curbs hunger
Did you know that protein is not stored in the body!
According to Harvard Health, the recommended dietary allowance of protein for a healthy adult with minimal physical activity is currently 0.8 g protein per kg body weight per day.
Where can you get your protein from?
- Eating legumes (beans, dals, tofu, tempeh)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Seeds (flax seeds, chia seeds)
- Whole grains (rice, millets, quinoa)
- Chicken and Seafood
Upgrade your sources of protein!
