How much protein is good for you!

Few nutrients are as important as protein. Protein is essential to good health. The very origin of the word — from the Greek protos, meaning “first” — reflects protein’s top-shelf status in human nutrition. According to the Dietary Reference Intake report for macronutrients, a sedentary adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. That means that the average sedentary man should eat about 56 grams of protein per day, and the average woman should eat about 46 grams

esearch on how much protein is the optimal amount to eat for good health is ongoing, and is far from settled. The value of high-protein diets for weight loss or cardiovascular health, for example, remains controversial.

Generally, animal protein provides all essential amino acids in the right ratio for you to make full use of them. This makes sense, as animal tissues are similar to your own tissues. If you’re eating animal products like meat, fish, eggs, or dairy every day, you’re likely getting enough protein.

However, if you don’t eat animal foods, getting all the protein and essential amino acids your body needs can be more challenging. In plant protein, such as the vegetarian diet, are linked with many health benefits. Studies suggest vegetarians tend to have a lower body weight; lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure levels. They also have a lower risk of stroke, cancer and death from heart disease than non-vegetarians. Proteins do most of their work in the cell and perform various jobs. Here are 5 important functions of protein in your body.

Growth and Maintenance

Our bodies are made up of thousands of different proteins, each with a specific function. They make up the structural components of our cells and tissues as well as many enzymes, hormones and the active proteins secreted from immune cells. These body proteins are continually being repaired and replaced throughout our lives.

Causes Biochemical Reactions

Proteins are the most versatile macro molecules in living systems and serve crucial functions in essentially all biological processes. Enzymes are proteins that aid the thousands of biochemical reactions that take place within and outside of your cells.

Maintains Proper pH

One way your body regulates pH is with proteins. An example is hemoglobin, a protein that makes up red blood cells. Protein plays a vital role in regulating the concentrations of acids and bases in your blood and other bodily fluids.

Balances Fluids in body

Proteins regulate body processes to maintain fluid balance. Proteins in the blood are called albumin and globulin, and they help maintain the body’s fluid balance by keeping water in the blood. Blood proteins have the ability to attract and keep fluid in the bloodstream. As the fluid continues to build up in the spaces between your cells, swelling or edema occurs, particularly in the stomach region.

Provides Energy

Proteins can supply your body with energy. Protein contains four calories per gram, the same amount of energy that carbs provide. Fats supply the most energy, at nine calories per gram. The last thing your body wants to use for energy is protein since this valuable nutrient is widely used throughout your body.