Protein Requirements

Protein is necessary to build and repair systems in the body. Protein is vital for growth and development. Your muscles, your immune system, your skin, your hair, your tendons, your cartilage and every cell in your body are dependent upon protein. Without protein you will die. When protein is consumed, it breaks down into amino acids and fat. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein made by the body. We need to consume protein to make protein.

Some sources of protein are called complete proteins. We find complete proteins (proteins which contain all the amino acids necessary for life) in plain yogurt, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese and eggs. Incomplete protein (proteins that need to be combined with other proteins to make them complete) are found in nuts, beans, corn, brown rice and various types of seeds and legumes.

Each person’s daily protein requirement is different. However, on average, the typical male needs about 0.75 – 1 grams of protein per pound of body weight.  The typical female needs about o.5 – 0.75 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

Protein and Metabolic Syndrome

Protein is very effective in controlling glycemic response. Eating high-protein foods with carbohydrates will help slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Any quality high-protein food will perform this function.