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and Health
Your body requires a proper selection and balance of nutrients to maintain optimal health, including protein. Proteins are the building blocks of all living cells and are essential for the proper functioning of your body. Besides providing your body with essential amino acids, protein intake also plays an important role in boosting your immune system and overall health.
Essential Amino Acids
Proteins are made up of amino acid components, some of which are referred to as essential amino acids because the body cannot produce them and must obtain them from an external source such as food. Protein foods contain these essential amino acids and enable the body to maintain proper functioning.
Protein in Boosting Your Immune System
Adequate and sustained protein intake helps to maintain a healthy immune system by enabling the body’s ability to quickly produce antibodies which are required for fighting infections and allergies. Protein also assists in maintaining the balance between the different cells and organs of your immune body including the skin and natural killer cells.
Protein and Overall Health
Obtaining enough protein through your diet helps maintain your overall health in a variety of ways besides improving the functioning of the immune system. It helps the body produce enzymes and hormones which regulate important bodily functions including the development of muscles and other tissues. Protein also assists in maintaining normal levels of cholesterol, glucose and other substances in the bloodstream.
Food Sources High in Protein
In order to ensure your body is getting adequate amounts of protein to support your immune system, as well as your overall health, there are several food sources that can help. Foods high in protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, beans, lentils and soy-based products such as tofu.
Conclusion
It’s important to maintain adequate levels of protein in your diet to ensure your body’s proper functioning and to support your immune system and overall health. Eating foods that are high in protein including lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds, beans, lentils and soy-based products such as tofu can help provide your body with the essential amino acids it needs to stay healthy.
Keywords: protein intake, immune system, essential amino acids, health, food sources high in protein, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, beans, lentils, soy-based products, tofu.
