Why Protein Is Vital For Healthy Living

Protein is one of the substances that everyone needs in their diet. It is a micro nutrient vital for life, and necessary in the formation of healthy tissues, bones and blood. But often people do not receive enough protein and so they become protein deficient.

Are you getting enough protein in your daily diet? And do you know the different sources of protein? Many people know a lot about carbohydrates and fat, but in protein they do not know and draw a blank.

Protein is a complicated issue, but it can be more simple than you think. The amount of protein that the human body requires changes with age, and varies depending what sex you are. The requirements for men and women differ, and they are:

For teenage boys- about 50 to 52 grams of protein a day is required. Teens are still growing, and they need a lot of protein to build and maintain healthy muscles and bones.

For adult men- about 56 to 60 grams of protein a day. This is important because men are often engaged in physical pursuits, and less protein will mean muscle and bone will lack the protein that it needs.

According to a report from the National Nutrition and Health Exam Survey from 2008 it was found that men aged 50 to 70 tended to get about 15 percent of their calories in their diet from protein. This was a little less than was advised, but still better than in many countries around the world.

Getting enough protein keeps your cells overall in good working order. Many types of foods contain protein. Cheese, lean meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, eggs, vegetables, even whole grains contain protein. If you eat meat on a regular basis then you likely do just fine getting enough protein.

But if you are a vegetarian then you have to be a little more careful. This just means that you have to keep track to make sure you are getting enough protein from other sources since you have selected a lifestyle without eating meat. You can eat foods such as refried beans, tofu, and other foods including milk, dairy and eggs to get enough protein. If you do not eat eggs, then there are still other choices.

Lean meat is the best source of protein in the American diet. Fish is high in protein, as is eggs and the other foods mentioned.