Protein along with amino acids are extremely critical to the overall growth of body. These two elements together make up proteins and understood to be the building blocks of life.

Protein is an important component of our health. From your muscles and bones to your hair and skin, the entire body contains proteins. The basic compound in protein is the amino acids attached to each other in long chains.

A protein consists of a combination of up to 20 different types of amino acids and the sequence of the same determines each.

Up to 20 different types of amino acids can be combined to make a protein, and the sequence of amino acids forms each protein’s structure in order to help your body function in proper way.

Proteins perform many important functions in your body, including:

Help repair worn cells and make new ones

Regulate your body’s tissues and organs

Promote proper growth in children and teenagers

Provide energy to pregnant women

Way to Get Protein:

Protein is obtained from the food one eats. Your body breaks protein-containing foods into amino acids which is instrumental to build your body.

Some of the most common animal sources are fish, eggs, meat, poultry, etc that are high in protein.

Non-animal products can also offer sufficient amounts of protein. Certain plants and cereals are the substantial source of such proteins, nuts, soy products, some grains , such as quinoa and wheat germ).

However , to gain right amount protein, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet instead of protein supplements.

According to The Institute of Medicine, adults must have a minimum of 8 grams of protein regularly for every 20 pounds of body weight, and also getting 10 to 35 percent of calories from protein is necessary for most people. Two to three servings of protein-rich foods every day is the must intake for most adults.

However, depending on your age and health, this recommendation might vary and might be specifically different for children and teenagers.

The following are examples of a serving size of protein-rich foods

1 egg

2 to 3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish

1/2 cup of cooked dried beans

2 tablespoons of peanut butter

1 ounce of cheese

A great amount of protein can be obtained from lean pork, chicken without skin, fish or shellfish, bison, lean beef, turkey, low-fat dairy products, soy protein products, such as tofu and tempeh.

Even beans, needs and seeds are high in protein. Beans including black, kidney, split peas, chick peas, pinto, and garbanzo contain great amount of protein. On the other hand, nuts and seeds such as mixed nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, pecans, peanut butter, peanuts, and walnuts are also great source of protein.

Don’t forget to consider the fat content of protein-rich foods while deciding on diet chart. Ideally, you must add foods in your diet chart that are high in protein and low in saturated fat.

Can Too Much Protein Be Unhealthy?

Anything too much is not good for health. When your body consumes too much protein, the following can occur:

Liver complications

Abdominal Pain

Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal complications

Unhealthy drop in blood pressure

Increased workloads on Kidneys

Hence, it is always safe to take a well balanced diet. Consult your doctor if you are planning to take a diet that’s pretty high in protein and amino acid supplements.

Joe Kikuchi is a genuine food lover. Based in USA, he has traveled many parts of the nation and tasted variety of food items. He maintains his Google site and Social networking profile where he shares his thoughts on food and healthy diet.