Why You Need Protein in Your Diet

Quick weight loss diet plans are often filled with carbohydrates and short on protein. Others have few carbohydrates, but little of any other nutritional value either. Even when you are dieting, your body still needs protein.

If you think of all the parts of your body that are mainly or completely made up of protein, you will begin to understand why this ingredient in your diet is so important. Most people know that muscles are made up of protein, and some people know that fingernails and toenails are made up of it, too.

However, you might not think of your bones and teeth having protein in them. Your skin, including scar tissue is protein-based. Your internal organs rely on the substance to keep them running, and the body would shut down without the enzymes and hormones made up of proteins.

So what are these proteins? Well, they are large molecules. There are 22 amino acids that make them up in various combinations. There are thousands of different proteins. The body can produce 13 of the amino acids, but the other 9 have to come from your food.

What is more, your body cannot store them up for later. They are used or excreted. You have to replenish the supply of protein every day. If you go on quick weight loss diet plans that are deficient in the amount of protein they supply, you could be setting yourself up to lose lean muscle and suffer protein loss from organs such as the liver and the heart.

The immune system is put into jeopardy when the body does not receive enough protein. This is partly because a lack of proteins robs the body of hormones and enzymes that are needed to maintain health.

Cutting the body short on protein can have disastrous effects. You can not only cause yourself to lose muscle mass and become more flabby. You can also damage your internal organs. You can even make yourself sick by compromising your immune system. If you are going to go on a diet, make sure it gives you plenty of protein.

When you take care of your protein needs, you will find that you are healthier. You will eat less and benefit more from exercise. Except for certain people with rare medical conditions, everyone needs protein in their diets. The amount will depend upon your size, your activity level, and some other factors. The best way to find out how much you need is to speak to a nutritionist or a doctor.