Did you know that protein makes up makes up the second largest part of your body composition? Water is the largest percentage, at 60%. The next largest percentage is protein, which is about 16 %. There are three types of protein function: muscle protein (the largest amount), abdominal organ protein, and plasma protein, which is protein in blood. There is no storage of protein in the body, so we need to consume protein every day.

Personal Story

At one time in my life, I didn’t know how important protein was. We were on a very tight budget and meat was expensive. As a result, our family ate a lot of grains and many vegetables, but not enough protein. I eventually became aware of plant sources which were more affordable and could increase our protein intake.

The Importance of Protein

Proteins are complex molecules, made from chains of amino acids, which have many important jobs in the body. They are vital because they do important work in the cells. In addition, they are necessary for body organs and tissues, since they give structure and aid these body parts.

1. Protein antibodies help prevent illness, disease, and infection. These proteins scout out and destroy antigens such as viruses and bacteria as they work with other parts of the immune system.
2. Enzyme proteins allow the chemical reactions of the body to work efficiently. They help form new molecules by reading the DNA’s genetic information.
3. Messenger proteins conduct signals that help coordinate processes between the body’s cells, tissues, and organs.
4. Structural proteins provide cell structure and support. They also allow body movement.
5. Proteins transport and store certain molecules and atoms within the cells and the body.

Wow! Protein does important work.

Food Sources of Protein

It is good to consume a variety of foods that contain protein. The most common protein foods are beef, chicken, turkey, bison, and lamb. Others are fish, such as salmon or tuna, or eggs.  Economical non-animal sources include beans, nuts, peas, and seeds.

How Much Protein Do We Need?

Adults need daily protein. Men need about 56 grams and women 46 grams of protein. This is about the size of a deck of cards. Pregnant women need more. If adults take in more protein than what they need, the extras are an energy source. If not needed for energy, the extras become fat. It is best to consume protein at each meal and snack throughout the day.

Children need more protein for repair and maintenance than adults because their body is rapidly growing and making new protein tissue, such as muscles, organs, skin, and hair. To figure out how much protein a child needs, take their weight and divide it by two. The result is how many grams of protein they need each day. For example, if your child weighs 40 pounds, they need about 20 grams of protein per day.

Let’s be sure we eat enough protein every day, so we support our healthy bodies.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing in the comment section above.