Protein: A Major Nutrient
Protein is the second major nutrient needed by your body. Your body uses protein to build and repair body tissue. Muscles, organs, bones, skin and many of the chemical messengers in your body are made of protein. Protein can also provide energy for your body if carbohydrates are not available.
Protein is a chain of building blocks called amino acids. In the human body, there are 22 amino acids. They combine with each other in an almost infinite number of ways. The human body can only make 13 of the 22 amino acids it needs for survival. This means nine of the amino acids must come from the foods we eat.
You get amino acids from eating plant protein or by eating the meat from animals that consumed protein.
This major nutrient of protein is found in the following foods.
- Meat. Almost any meat is a source of the major nutrient, protein.
- Poultry. Chicken is a favorite source of the major nutrient or protein.
- Fish and shellfish. Important parts of a healthy and balanced diet. They are good sources of high quality protein and other nutrients.
- Eggs. Eggs also provide vitamin A, riboflavin, and other vitamins and minerals.
- Cheese. Right along with calcium, you get protein! Cheese. A wonder food.
- Milk. Full fat, low fat or fat free, they are all a good source of this major nutrient.
Grain, legumes and nuts also contain protein. Other sources include foods such as oatmeal, lentils and peanuts.