It seems everywhere we look someone is promoting a diet that praises the power of protein. But whether you want to lose or maintain your current weight, the importance of protein goes far beyond physical appearance and muscle building.
Protein is a vital component of every cell in the body. Protein is stored in muscles and organs, and the body utilizes it to build and repair tissues, as well as to produce enzymes and hormones. Along with fat and carbs, protein is a “macro nutrient,” meaning the body needs relatively large amounts of it. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that our daily protein requirements should be 10 to 35 percent of our total caloric intake, with men needing slightly more than women.
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