In one of my earlier posts I shared what I focus on for my long-term health and one of them was to make sure I get enough protein. Today I will elaborate further on the importance of protein in your diet. Protein is made up of several smaller units called amino acids. Although your body can make most of the 20 amino acids it needs, there are nine that it cannot make. These are known as the essential amino acids, and they must be consumed in food daily.
Here some benefits of protein:

1. Reduces Appetite and Hunger Levels
2. Increases Muscle Mass and Strength
3. Good for Your Bones (especially for women who are at high risk of osteoporosis after menopause)
4. Reduces Cravings and Desire for Late-Night Snacking
5. Boosts Metabolism and Increases Fat Burning
6. Lowers Your Blood Pressure
7. Helps Maintain Weight Loss
8. Does Not Harm Healthy Kidneys (healthy kidneys is not damaged by protein)
9. Helps Your Body Repair Itself After Injury
10. Helps You Stay Fit as You Age

I have also found that adequate protein has a very positive impact on my mental state. It makes me less prone to become worried or anxious, which was an unexpected positive effect of ensuring enough protein in my diet. So what would be an adequate protein intake on a daily basis? Well I personally aim to get 30% of my total calories from protein. I try to get this from whole food sources but sometimes I supplement with a protein shake as well.

To read more about food and my thoughts about our diet the last 50 years please go hit.. To read more about why you should eat more protein you can go hit..