It’s a well-known fact! A balanced diet is the main key to success in maintaining overall good health. However, with dietary needs varying from one person to another, the rules of healthy eating are not always easy to decipher… Nevertheless, one principle applies to all of us: the importance of consuming enough protein daily!
But what are proteins and what role do they play in our diet? What’s more, what are the best sources of protein? Learn more in this article.
Protein is one of the 3 types of macronutrients that give our body the energy it needs to function. Proteins, along with fats and carbohydrates, provide us with energy in the form of calories. It is also important to know that proteins come together to form the strong fibres of many structures and tissues that are essential to the body’s functioning, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the protective covering that surround many organs. In addition to their composition, proteins perform other functions in our bodies, including the transport of substances, such as oxygen, through the blood circulatory system, the production of hormones, the proper functioning of the immune system, and so on.
Thus, when our diet does not include enough proteins, our body can find itself in a state of deficiency, which can lead to several consequences: a decrease in muscular capacity, immune deficiency, bone problems etc.
Generally, an adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. However, the daily requirement increases considerably when practising certain sports.
By consuming enough protein, we ensure that our body has the energy it needs to perform all its functions and prevent deficiencies that can have serious health effects.
There are animal and plant sources of protein. Both types have particularities that are important to be aware of, especially if you are trying to adopt a vegetarian diet or reduce your consumption of meat and animal products.
They are complete protein sources that our bodies can easily assimilate. Incorporating a source of animal protein in every meal helps to achieve the daily consumption target mentioned above. Sources of animal protein are:
Many plants are also good sources of protein. However, some of them are incomplete, i.e., they must be combined with another type of plant protein to become a complete source.
We hope that reading this article has helped you understand the importance of protein in your diet. For advice tailored to your condition or needs, consult a healthcare professional!
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