Written and Presented by Olivia Farrow, RD, MHSc
Reviewed by Krista Kolodziejzyk, RD, MPH, MBA and Maria Dellanina, RDN
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Protein gets a lot of attention in the world of nutrition – and for good reason. It’s more than just a buzzword on food labels or something for athletes to obsess over. In this post, we’re breaking down exactly what protein is, why your body needs it, and how it supports your overall health.
What Is Protein?
Protein is one of the three main macronutrients your body needs to function, alongside carbohydrates and fats. These three nutrients are called macronutrients because your body requires them in relatively large amounts.
You can find protein in a variety of foods:
🍗 Meat
🐟 Fish
🥚 Eggs
🧀 Dairy
🌱 Legumes
🌰 Nuts and seeds
But what makes protein unique? It’s the body’s primary building block. That means it plays a critical role in building and repairing tissues – everything from your muscles and skin to your hair, nails, and even internal organs.
How Your Body Uses Protein
When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into smaller units called amino acids. Think of these like the building bricks that can be rearranged and reused to build the proteins your body needs.
There are 20 amino acids in total, and 9 of them are called essential amino acids. Why essential? Because your body can’t make them on its own—you have to get them through the food you eat.
Why Protein Is Essential for Your Health
Protein isn’t just about muscle growth (though it’s great for that too!). Here’s how it supports nearly every system in your body:
- Muscle maintenance and recovery: Whether you’re hitting the gym, healing from an injury, or just going about your day, protein helps repair and rebuild tissues. It becomes especially important as we age, when muscle loss can lead to weakness, falls, and longer recovery times.
- Hormones and enzymes: Many of your body’s enzymes and hormones are made from protein. These control everything from metabolism and digestion to your mood.
- Immune support: Protein is needed to produce antibodies that help fight off infections and keep your immune system strong.
- Backup energy source: While your body prefers carbohydrates and fats for energy, it can use protein as a backup fuel—especially during intense exercise or times of stress.
Key Takeaway
Think of protein as the ultimate multitasker. It builds, repairs, protects, and even fuels your body. It’s not just for bodybuilders or fitness fanatics, it’s essential for everyone.
In the next post, we’ll talk about how much protein you actually need and the best times to include it in your day.
