What protein is, why it’s important, and how much you actually need

It’s the cry of mothers everywhere: “Eat your chicken! Drink your milk! Have some protein! How are you going to grow?”

Whether you’re a lip-smacking carnivore, or you’re the one to shy away from anything that was once a breathing, living creature, it’s a good idea to know what protein is, why it’s important, and how much you actually need.

Micro and Macro

Protein is an important macronutrient. Now, doesn’t that clear everything up? Or are you not so sure what, exactly, a macronutrient is?

Your body requires lots of things to stay healthy, develop normally, grow and engage in self-repair (think bruises, cuts, broken bones), and maintain a happy, healthy environment for your neshamah. Macronutrients are the nutrients that your body needs in large amounts in order to function well: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. (There are also micronutrients, another group of nutrients that your body needs, including vitamins and minerals; essential, but in smaller amounts.)

Your body can’t make protein on its own, which means it depends on you to eat it!

So what does protein do?

1. Helps build and repair muscles, bones, hair, and nails
2. Helps your metabolism function, and keeps you satiated for longer periods of time
3. Helps your immune system stay strong
4. Helps make important hormones and enzymes
5. Helps your organs work the way they should

As you can see, protein plays a lot of important roles in your body, even beyond this list. Convinced yet?