Understanding Protein

Protein is composed of amino acids that our bodies use for numerous purposes. Some of the main functions of protein include: providing building material for tendons and ligaments, strengthening artery walls, knitting torn tissues back together and helping heal injuries, replacement of skin cells when they are shed, and serving as antibodies to help defend against disease. The institute of medicine recommends consumption of .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This is to keep the body from experiencing tissue breakdown. Beyond that there is not firm information on which to base a recommendation of more or less protein. However, where we get our protein from deserves some consideration. Complete proteins (containing all the amino acids your body needs you to consume) come from animal products. The typical American diet includes a lot of meat and dairy foods therefore protein deficiency is pretty rare. Unfortunately many animal products (especially red meat) are high in saturated fats, so a good recommendation is to eat a variety of vegetables and nuts and make the steaks and cheeseburgers an occasional meal choice. If you do not eat any meat or dairy products then make sure you are consuming a good balance of vegetables, legumes and grains.

Sources:

Protein, the Bottom Line. Harvard School of Public Health
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/

Understanding Nutrition. S. R. Rolfes, E. N. Whitney. Wadsworth Thomson Learning