Importance of Protein in Your Diet

Importance of Protein in Your Diet
by Anna Wagner (Guest Author - FIT Major in Fragrance and Cosmetics) & Dr. Shamil

A well-balanced diet is always important, but is yours balanced enough? With such a focus on eating fruit and vegetables for a healthy diet, the importance of protein is often overlooked. Or even worse you may think you don’t need it at all! But proteins are the building blocks of your body, every cell contains protein. It’s a necessary component for healthy organ function in your body.

What are proteins? Simply put they are organic compounds made of amino acids. They are essential in the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Protein helps make up the structures in your hair, nails, bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. And your body does not store protein like it does fats, so a healthy and regular consumption of protein rich foods is important.

As part of your balanced diet make sure to include a healthy amount of protein, not just the minimum amount. Having a protein filled diet is not just for men either! A deficiency in protein can lead to muscle loss and definition in both men and women. And how much is enough? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends around 7 ounces a day for men and 5 to 6 ounces for women. Those with very active lifestyles could need more however.

And while protein can be found naturally in many foods, what foods you get it from can affect your diet. Black beans, pistachios, and eggs are high in protein but are low in carbs. Fish is a great lean option for protein and has added brain-health benefits. Stay full longer by eating vegetables such as avocados and edamame which are high in both protein and fiber. 

However, if you’re dieting try to avoid or limit foods that are high in saturated fats such as red meats and full-fat dairy products. Over consumption of protein could mean you are eating excess calories, which leads to weight gain. It could also lead to your body flushing out calcium or your body could become dehydrated as it uses extra water to break down the protein. So, remember to stay balanced in your eating, and with added exercise watch as your body becomes more toned and defined while increasing your metabolism!


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