Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of the muscle tissues. Every tissue in your body is made up from protein (muscle, hair, skin, and nails). Every type of tissue in the body, including bones, skin, muscles, and organs, has its own set of proteins that help it perform its characteristic functions. Protein is involved in almost every function performed by a cell which includes metabolism and signal transduction.
Protein is essential for body growth, development and maintenance. Proteins build and maintain muscle mass, hormones, antibodies, enzymes. It provides your body with energy, support red blood cell production, boost immune system, keep your hair, fingernails, and skin healthy.
Proteins contain 4 kilocalories per gram. According to latest “Daily Reference Intake” guidelines, the daily intake for women aged 19-70 should be around 46 grams per day and for adult men the daily intake for proteins should be 56 grams per day. Yet there are advocates of 1 gram of protein intake per pound of body weight. The higher protein intake for men is attributed to the fact that most men have more muscle mass than women.
So, Protein is an extremely important macronutrient and should be eaten frequently throughout the day. High-quality sources of protein include whey protein, red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese.
