6 Key Facts Everyone Should Know About Protein

Protein Makes Up Your Body's Structure

Protein is an essential component of the diet and helps your body repair muscle, grow tissue, regulate hormones, control metabolism, defend against illness, and more.

Protein is what makes up your ligaments, tendons, muscles, hair, nails, skin, teeth, tissue, organs, and bones. About half of the non-water mass of your body is made up of protein.

Since most of the body's proteins are continually broken down, the body needs to manufacture thousands of proteins every day to replace them.

The more active you are the faster your proteins break down, and more protein you need to replenish them.

Individuals typically need 1 gram of protein daily for each kilogram of their body weight. For example, a 180-pound man would need at least 80 grams of protein a day to meet his body's needs; a 140-pound woman would need a minimum of 60 grams.

Protein cannot be stored for later use, like fat or carbohydrates can, so the body needs daily replenishments