The Importance of Protein

By now many of you have probably heard me speak about the importance of getting in the ample amount of protein and why.  If you’re not familiar as to why protein is so important, here we go!

Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the human body. It is one of the three macronutrients (along with carbohydrates and fats) that provide energy to the body and is necessary for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues and cells. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key reasons why protein is important for the human body.

Building and repairing muscle tissue: Protein is the building block of muscle tissue and is necessary for muscle growth and repair. When we exercise, we create tiny tears in our muscle fibers. In order for our muscles to heal and grow stronger, they need to be replenished with protein. Without enough protein in our diet, our muscles may not recover properly from exercise and we may experience muscle weakness and atrophy (shrinkage).

Maintaining bone health: Protein is also essential for maintaining bone health. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, makes up the majority of our bones, but protein is needed to provide structure to bones and help them retain calcium. Without enough protein, bones can become brittle and weak, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Regulating hormones and enzymes: Protein is an important component of hormones and enzymes, which are essential for the regulation of many bodily functions. Hormones, such as insulin, help regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels, while enzymes assist in chemical reactions and digestion.

Supporting a healthy immune system: Protein is needed for the production of antibodies, which are critical for fighting off infections and diseases. A diet lacking in protein can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness.

Supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails: Protein is an important component of collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to skin, hair, and nails. Without enough protein in our diet, we may experience dry, brittle hair and nails, and wrinkles in the skin.

It's important to note that not all proteins are the same. They differ in their amino acid composition and structures, which can have different effects on health. Like I always like to point out, the quality of protein is also important, it’s better to get protein from whole foods rather than processed foods or supplements.

It's recommended that adults consume at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This can be easily achieved by including a variety of protein-rich foods in the diet such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.

In conclusion, protein is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. It plays important roles in building and repairing muscle tissue, maintaining bone health, regulating hormones and enzymes, supporting a healthy immune system and healthy skin, hair, and nails. It's important to consume enough protein and eat quality sources, as part of a well-balanced diet.

If you’re not eating enough protein, start!