Protein is an essential part of your diet, so make sure that you get enough of it from healthy sources every day. Healthy sources for protein include meat, fish and poultry. You can also get protein from dairy products like milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, etc.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can get protein from legumes such as peanuts and beans. They have the highest protein content among non-meat food sources. To get all the essential amino acids, make sure to eat food like seeds, grains and vegetables.
Why is protein so important? Here are several reasons:
Protein is needed for the growth, repair and maintenance of all cells in the body. Each cell has protein as part of its structure, so each cell uses up protein in its processes. Thus it’s important that you meet the required daily allowance for this nutrient.
Protein helps to create antibodies that your immune system needs to ward off infection. Whenever you’re sick, make sure to consume more protein to help your immune system work harder.
Protein helps your blood clot faster when you’re significantly wounded. You can suffer from major blood loss from a bad injury, but consuming ample protein can slow down this process by speeding up blood clotting.
Protein can be used as energy if you’re running low on carbs. Of course, carbohydrates are still the best sources of energy, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities such as hiking, running, etc. But for weight watchers who don’t like the calories that come along with carbs, stocking up on protein is the next best option.
Protein is broken down to essential amino acids needed by the body. Your body needs 20 amino to function properly. Out of these 20, nine are called essential because they can be obtained only from the food you eat. Either way, these amino acids are important because they are needed to support the immune system, process nutrients, convert fatty acids to usable energy, create collagen for connective tissues, form hemoglobin for blood sugar regulation, balancing moods and sleep patterns, etc.
About the Author
Jamie Eberle is the Chief Financial Officer of BeLiteWeight, which has helped over 6,500 patients have safe, affordable and successful weight loss surgery over the past 20 years. Jamie has had bariatric surgery and knows the ins and outs of the different procedures they run, including: vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve plication, Lap Band and gastric bypass surgery, among others. BeLiteWeight focuses on each patient’s needs to help them choose the right procedure and get started on the path to a healthier life.
