Protein is an essential macronutrient that is necessary for our bodies to function properly. It plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting our immune system. Without protein, our bodies would not be able to perform these vital functions.
One of the most important roles that protein plays in our bodies is building and repairing tissues. When we have a soft tissue injury, protein helps us recover more efficiently. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of our bodies. When we eat protein-rich foods, our bodies break them down into their individual amino acids and use them to build and repair muscle, bone, skin, hair, and other tissues. Bone broth is a great example of a protein source that is also rich in collagen, which our injured tissues need to recover properly.
Protein is also important for producing enzymes and hormones. Enzymes are proteins that help to speed up chemical reactions in our bodies, while hormones are chemical messengers that help to regulate various bodily processes, including growth and metabolism. Our metabolism is critical when we look at things like weight and digestive processes.
Another important function of protein is supporting our immune system. Antibodies, which are proteins that help to identify and neutralize foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, are critical for keeping us healthy. Without enough protein in our diets, our bodies would not be able to produce enough antibodies to fight off infections.
So, how much protein do we actually need? The amount of protein we need varies depending on our age, sex, weight, and activity level. However, as a general rule, adults should aim to get at least 0.8 grams of protein per pound of goal body weight per day. This means that a 150-pound person would need about 120 grams of protein per day.
Fortunately, protein is found in a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products (such as greek yogurt and cottage cheese), beans, nuts, broths, and seeds. By incorporating a variety of these protein-rich foods into our diets, we can ensure that we are getting enough protein to support our bodies’ needs. Aim for about a fist size of protein at each meal.
Protein is an incredibly important nutrient that is essential for our bodies to function properly. From building and repairing tissues to producing enzymes and hormones to supporting our immune system, protein plays a critical role in our overall health and well-being. By making sure we get enough protein in our diets, we can ensure that our bodies are able to perform all of these vital functions.
