Proteins are the building blocks of life. In the body, they are important for making blood, bones, skin, muscles and cartilage, as well as various chemicals like hormones – https://www.choosemyplate.gov/protein-foods-nutrients-health. Proteins break down into amino acids. There are 9 essential amino acids – we must get them through food as the body doesn’t make them.
We get amino acids from eating foods rich in protein, like those found in the Protein and Dairy food groups. Animal-based foods tend to be complete proteins – they have all 9 amino acids (meat, seafood, eggs, dairy). Incomplete proteins come from plant-based foods (beans and peas, known as legumes; seeds and nuts; and whole grains), but these foods can be combined to ensure that we are getting everything we need.
How much protein do you need? For an adult, you need about 0.8 g per kg of body weight. Read more here – https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/. Most of us in the United States are getting enough or more than enough protein in our diets. There are times when we may need to get more – when one is pregnant, recovering from an illness or suffering from an injury.
