Sources of Protein

What is protein-

Protein in your diet provides energy and supports your mood and cognitive function. It's a vital nutrient required for building, maintaining and repairing tissues, cells and organs throughout the body.While it's in many of the foods that we eat everyday, for something so common it's often a misunderstood part of our diets.

When you eat protein, it is broken down into the 20 amino acids that are the body's basic building blocks for growth and energy. The amino acid tryptophan influences mood by producing serotonin, which can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall cognitive function.

Most Animal sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs,and dairy, deliver all the amino acids your body needs, while plant-based protein sources such as grains, beans, vegetables and nuts often lack one or more of the essential amino acids. However, that doesn't mean you have to eat animal products to get the right amino acids. By eating a variety of plant-based sources of protein each day you can ensure your body gets all the essential amino acids it needs.

The health benefits of protein

Protein gives you the energy to get up and go- and keep going. While too much protein can be harmfull to people with kidney disease,diabetes, and some other conditions, eating the right amount of high-quality protein:

• Keeps your immune system functioning properly, maintains heart health and your repiratory system and speeds recovery after exercise.

• Is vital to the growth and development of children and for maintaining health in your senior years.

• Can help reduce your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Can help you think clear and may improve recall.

• Can improve your mood and boost your resistance to stress, anxiety and depression.

• May help you maintain a healthy weight by curbing appetite, making you feel full longer, and fueling you with extra energy for exercising