Proteins, macromolecules that consist of one of more long chains of amino acid residues, are known as the building blocks of life. They are required for a number of functions in our body, including acting as an energy resource, speeding up metabolic reactions, replication of DNA, transporting molecules, and muscle synthesis, repair, and maintenance. Of the 20 essential amino acids we need to survive, our bodies are only able to produce 9; the other 9 amino acids must be supplied from our diet. If we are unable to obtain even 1 of these 9 amino acids, our bodies begin to break down the proteins in our body (such as those in muscles) in order to obtain the missing amino acid.
Since proteins are so vital to the proper function of the body, it’s important to ensure that you are getting the right amount of protein for your body. Your body requires a certain amount of protein intake daily, and this amount is based on your weight. Proteins can be found in many foods, including high-protein sources like daily (milk, and yogurt), beans and legumes, eggs, fish and seafood, poultry, and soy, and some nuts (like pistachios, peanuts, and pecans.
Enter your weight in our Protein Intake Calculator, to find out how many grams of protein you should be consuming daily!
