Are You Getting Enough Protein?

The right amount of protein intake is important to a healthy lifestyle. It can be a challenge to consume enough protein on a daily basis when certain protein-filled foods may be cut out of your diet.

Protein is vital to many aspects of keeping a healthy body.

The Benefits of Eating Protein

The body needs protein in order to keep you healthy. Protein aids in the production of healthy hair and nails, as well as strengthens bones and muscles.

Hair and nails are comprised mostly of protein. A lack of protein intake can break down the strength of your hair and nails and cause them to become brittle. With respect to your hair, this can lead to thinning of hair and overall hair loss. The hair follicles themselves can become damaged as well. If you are suffering from hair loss, you may want to examine your protein intake. Talk with your healthcare professional to see if this could be a cause to your hair loss. If additional assistance is needed, there are professionals available to help you to regain healthy hair growth.

Bones and muscles need protein in order to grow in strength. Having healthy bones and muscles is important at any stage in your life in order to live the quality of life that you desire. Weak bones and muscles can cause negative ramifications to your body and your life. If you are concerned about the strength of your bones and muscles, see your healthcare professional.

Sources of Protein

Protein can be found in many different foods and supplements. The trick is finding the right source for your personal eating plan. The most popular way to get protein is from meat, namely red meat. This, however, is not an option among those who choose to not eat meat. A vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can make getting enough protein a challenge.

According to the USDA, adult females should be having a protein intake of 46 grams and adult males 56 grams. If you are struggling to try to find enough protein, here are a few suggestions of ways you can get your protein from nature:

• Seaweed – 1 cup of dried seaweed contains approximately 64 grams of protein
• Roasted Soybeans – 100 grams contains approximately 28 grams of protein
• Oats – 100 grams contains approximately 17 grams of protein
• Lima Beans – 1 cup contains approximately 15 grams of protein
• French Beans – 1 cup contains approximately 12 grams of protein
• Other sources of protein found in nature include avocado, almonds, Brazil nuts, buckwheat, peanuts, peas, and artichokes.

Take heed to not overdo your protein intake. There is such thing as too much of a good thing.

Do what you can to increase your protein intake to the level that is necessary for your lifestyle. Talk to your healthcare professional to determine what your protein intake should be. If you are suffering from too little protein, also see your healthcare professional to see what can be done. There are many resources out there to assist you in ensuring a healthy body inside and out.