| Whether you want to build muscle mass or slim your | | | | body. To obtain certain amino acids, your body must |
| waistline, understanding the different aspects of | | | | get them from an outside source. |
| healthy eating is critical you reaching your physical | | | | While protein is most commonly found in meat, it is also |
| goals. As part of a healthy diet, protein is a key part of | | | | available from other sources, such as beans, tofu, |
| your diet that deserves a little attention and | | | | eggs, nuts, milk, and some grains. A commonality of |
| understanding. | | | | most American diets, however, is that many |
| In fact, protein is so important that it is part of every | | | | Americans eat too much. And while there are many |
| part of your body. Each of your cells, tissues, and | | | | people who consume more protein than they need |
| organs in your body contains some amount of protein. | | | | and have no adverse effects, too much protein can |
| The protein in your body, however, is always in the | | | | cause unnecessary weight gain and other health |
| process of being broken down and then replaced, so | | | | problems. |
| the foods you eat need to contain nutrients that your | | | | So how much protein should you consume as part of |
| body can use to replace the amino acids being broken | | | | your healthy diet? In general, 10 percent to 35 percent |
| down in your body. Proteins are made up of amino | | | | of your calories each day. |
| acids, and some amino acids cannot be made by your | | | | |