Proteins are essential nutrient for the development of the body. The digestive juices in your stomach and intestines break down the protein into amino acids. The Amino acids contributed by proteins is used by cells to build new proteins and repair the bones and muscles. They help in cell maintenance and repair. The body proteins are continuously being made and at the same time are being used to maintain the functions of the cells and organs in your body. Proteins help to heal the cuts and abrasions quickly. Without protein the muscle does not grow and blood does not clot correctly.

It is not only necessary for physical development but also for a healthy skin, beautiful hair and internal organs to keep you fit. The body uses proteins to build hormones, antibodies and the enzymes that regulate the chemical reaction within the body

Proteins are required for physical growth. It is essential for the growing infants, children and the teens. They require it the most as it is their growing age. It is important for them to be physically well built and strong. If they do not have a well built body they might face physical or emotional problems.

As you grow older then too you require proteins in your diet to keep away from physical and emotional stress. Protein is required for the prevention of muscle loss. Pregnant women or the ones who are expecting to become, also need to take sufficient protein in their diet. It is not only required for them but also the baby that is being formed within. The breast feeding women too require it.

There are different sources of protein. You can obtain “complete” protein through animal food. You can have it in plenty in a non vegetarian diet; there is chicken, meat, egg, turkey and fish. If you take chicken and meat and fish regularly then you are definitely taking in the protein your body requires. Eating too much of chicken and meat always can create problems. Eating fish is good for the intake of protein as it reduces the risk of heart diseases.

You can also take protein through “complementary” protein. Legumes, nuts, peas, seeds and soyabeans are an excellent source of “complementary” proteins. All the vegetarians should make it necessary to include sufficient amount of nuts, legumes and soyabeans in their diet.

How much of the proteins your body requires depends on our body weights. It is important to get the right balance of proteins according to the body requirement. It has been said that athletes need the right balance of protein rather than protein rich food. Athletes require more carbohydrates to give them energy so that the proteins do not have to do that extra work of giving energy rather than its own function. The protein required by the child depends upon the age and weight. The elder children require more protein than the very young ones. The requirement of protein also depends on the type of protein you are taking, is it a “complete” protein or a “complementary” protein. If you are taking “complementary” then you need extra protein. If you are taking too much of red meat then actually you are taking more proteins than required.