Have you ever played Lego when you were a kid? If you did, then you might be aware on how one significant part of balanced diet works and that is Protein. Protein is also known as the building blocks of the body. It produces amino acids that the body needs but cannot create on its own. It also helps fabricate and restore muscle and body tissue.  A large portion of the human body is composed of protein specifically the skin, organs, muscles and glands including all body fluids with the exception of urine and bile. In fact, every cell contains this kind of nutrient. More importantly, enough protein contributes to optimum nutrition.

Where can you get the best source of protein?

The truth is you can get it in most foods. However, some foods contain proteins that are lacking at least one essential amino acid and they are called incomplete proteins. A complete protein contains nine essential amino acids. So if a protein has only 8 amino acids or less, it is already considered an incomplete protein. Complete proteins are contained in animal foods like fish, meat, eggs, poultry, milk and other milk products such as cheese and yogurt. The only plant that has complete protein is soybean. Incomplete proteins, on the other hand, are sourced from beans, nuts, seeds, peas, and grain. Vegetable also have protein in them but only at a minimal amount. Thus, vegetarians don't really get optimum nutrition because they don't get enough nutrients like protein.

How is protein related to optimum nutrition?

Simple! Since optimum nutrition requires adequate intake of nutrients, lack of protein intake also leads to its opposite, poor nutrition. The body needs protein to function properly because this nutrient gives the body what it can't produce, the amino acids. According to a recent study, adult women are recommended to get at least 46 grams of protein each day in order to prevent deficiency issues. As for men, they are required to have about 56 grams each day. With regards to growing children, pregnant women, and recovering patients from illness, surgery or trauma, additional protein is necessary.

Eating three times a day is not enough to be healthy. You need to balance your diet by choosing foods that are rich in different nutrients. This way, you will get the daily dose that you need per nutrient. Not only will you avoid getting sick, you will also get the optimum nutrition that every person wants.