Protein: An Important Nutrient

When you start paying attention to the things you are eating, protein becomes a major factor in choosing the foods to include in your diet. Protein is a vital nutrient that must be obtained through the things that we eat in order to maintain a healthy, functioning body, but there is so much more to protein and how it makes a difference in our nutrition than many people think.

Protein is an important component of almost every cell in the body. It is used to create muscle, bone, skin, hair, and cartilage, to build and repair tissue, and in the creation of many hormones and enzymes. Proteins are considered to be macronutrients, meaning they need to be consumed in large amounts, unlike micronutrients, such as many minerals and vitamins, which are only required in small amounts.

Where it becomes an important part of nutrition is that the body does not store protein. Unlike some nutrients, the body uses protein as it is consumed, so it must be replaced by eating protein sources. Because of this, ensuring that you get enough is vital in maintaining proper nutrition.

The most common types of proteins include:

These types of protein can be obtained through a variety of sources and offer different kinds of benefits. Most people get enough protein in the foods they eat, but for those trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or maintain a healthy weight, it is important to ensure that you are getting the right kind of protein to suit your needs before you begin taking protein supplements or protein shakes. Consulting with your primary care provider or an experienced nutritionist can help you decide what diet changes you need to make, if any, to get adequate and healthy protein levels in your food.