Technically, Protein is a macronutrient essential to building muscles, as well as the growth and repair of body cells. Protein, fats and carbohydrates are the three macronutrients. Macronutrients provide calories, or energy, along with vitamins and nutrients our bodies need.
Protein is usually thought of as animal products, though there are other sources, such as nuts. Most people eat enough protein, but need to make leaner and more varied choices. Although your body can make some of the amino acids necessary to make proteins, it can’t make them all. Those your body can’t produce must come from the foods you eat.
That is why protein is an important part of a balanced healthy diet and should be about 12 to 20 percent of your total daily calories. This monthly food tip is from Warm Springs Diabetes Program.
