Protein is a macronutrient. This means it is needed in large amounts.
It is needed by our bodies for growth and repair of muscles and tissues. It is also responsible for the production of hormones and enzymes. Each gram of protein has 4 calories.
Hitting your daily protein intake is very easy, yet it is something that people always seem to obsess over. The majority of people are consuming their recommended daily intake every day. Protein can be found in both animal and plant foods such as meat, poultry, diary foods, eggs, nuts and seeds and beans.
Protein is made from Amino Acids.
Our bodies can make some amino acids on its own (these are called non-essential amino acids), but other amino acids can only be found in foods (These are called “essential amino acids”).
We can categorize proteins into “complete” and “incomplete” proteins depending on this.
Complete proteins are foods that contain all essential amino acids that our bodies need. Examples of complete proteins are red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
Incomplete proteins are foods that do not contain all essential amino acids that bodies need. Examples of incomplete proteins are beans, legumes and peas.
