Your Body On Protein

What’s on the menu today? Maybe toast with jam for breakfast, a bowl of pasta and an apple at lunch, and rice and veggies at dinner. Sounds pretty delicious! But you’ve forgotten an important food group: protein. Eating protein-rich food is essential for developing strong bodies. Proteins are also important for repairing tissues and cells and regulating crucial chemicals in your brain. But that doesn’t mean you need to load up on protein bars and shakes. You can get all the protein you need from foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, lentils, and nuts. Try eggs or Greek yogurt at breakfast, a turkey or nut butter sandwich at lunch, cheese and crackers for a snack, and some beans and rice at dinner. Read on to learn more about the benefits of protein, and how to make sure you’re eating enough.

Studies show that eating proteins can reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life. The benefits are higher with plant-based proteins.

Eating too much protein can lead to a painful condition called kidney stones. If you have any kidney problems, avoid high-protein diets.

According to a study, not eating enough protein may be associated with a higher risk of mood disorders such as depression.

Eating a protein-rich diet, combined with strength training, can help you become stronger and gain muscle mass.

Eating enough protein can help your body to produce the antibodies and white blood cells you need to effectively fight off diseases.