Protein Is Important

Protein is important.

Protein is a major energy source and it is responsible for everything, from building tissues to boosting immunity, and from making your hair and nails strong to playing a role in the growth of muscle, bone and internal organs. Protein is also found in almost all of the body's fluids  and is used in the production of hormones and enzymes.

Protein is made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units, called amino acids. They cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food. Of the twenty amino acids, nine are considered "essential".

The easiest way to get these amino acids in your diet is by including a serving of protein in your diet every day.

Cheese, soybeans, meat and fish, dairy products and eggs, cashews, almonds, oats, lentils, beans, brown rice, legumes, chia seeds, pork, chicken, pumpkin, nuts, peas, tuna, seafood, beans, whey protein, plant proteins, etc.

Choose a variety of nutrient-dense protein and while avoiding fat, eggs whites (cholesterol free), fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) dairy products, lean meats and poultry, seafood, soy products.

Trim or drain fat from meats before or after cooking and remove poultry skin before cooking or eating.

Protein foods are also important sources of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins (for example, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc).