Protein
What do you think about when you hear the word protein? Maybe it's an ad for some protein shake that promises massive muscles? Or is it the last high-protein diet craze you read about? With all this talk about protein, you might think Americans were at risk for not eating enough. In fact, most of us eat more protein than we need. Protein is in many foods that we eat on a regular basis.
This section will help you learn more about protein. You'll find information about what foods have protein and what happens when we eat more protein than we need.
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What is Protein?
Proteins are part of every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies. These body proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced. The protein in the foods we eat is digested into amino acids that are later used to replace these proteins in our bodies.
Protein is found in the following foods:
- meats, poultry, and fish
- legumes (dry beans and peas)
- tofu
- eggs
- nuts and seeds
- milk and milk products
- grains, some vegetables, and some fruits (provide only small amounts of protein relative to other sources)
As we mentioned, most adults in the United States get more than enough protein to meet their needs. It's rare for someone who is healthy and eating a varied diet to not get enough protein.