Protein plays a vital role in our bodies, whether you aim to lose weight, build muscle, recover from workouts, or maintain good health. It is an essential component of every cell and is involved in building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and regulating metabolism and growth. While protein also provides energy, the body primarily relies on carbohydrates and fat for fuel.
Protein is digested into amino acids, which are then used by cells to create new proteins or repair existing ones. As the body cannot store protein, any excess amino acids are converted into glucose or fatty acids and stored as fat. Therefore, it is important to consume sufficient protein to support these daily functions, but excess protein can also be stored as fat.
Protein can be obtained from a variety of sources, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, soy, and grains. Animal-based sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and soybeans provide all the essential amino acids needed by the body, while plant-based sources may require combining different foods to ensure adequate amino acid intake.
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