Proteins-much do you need in your diet for proper nutrition?

The old “Pink Floyd” song begs the question; “How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat?” How true this really is. Protein is the basis of the human diet. It provides the components for maintenance and repair of many structures in your body as well as the ingredients for all of your enzymes. In fact you can live off of quality protein and a little fat, no carbs necessary! Many people don’t get nearly enough of this essential building block of life.

The World Health Organization says a person needs 30 grams a day to maintain health. This is a MINIMUM daily requirement, your body functions much more efficiently with a higher intake.
Well then, how much should a person be eating? This will vary depending on your weight and activity level, but in general 100 grams or more a day is a good baseline. Heavier individuals and athletes may require even more, up to 1 gram per pound of body weight a day! This can be difficult to achieve. A full pound of ground beef has roughly 80 grams of protein in it. How many people eat even that much? Well, I do, but that is a whole other story. I find it easiest to eat a good portion of meat with every meal, and supplement with protein powders.
So what sources are the best? Animal products provide by far the most complete and bio available proteins. As a benefit, wild caught fish and grass fed animals are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is possible to get enough protein from plant sources, but it is much more difficult. Non-animal proteins include rice, quinoa, yellow pea, and soy. However, many people now suggest you stay away from soy, as it can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Diet is the foundation of health. If you aren’t giving your body the basic components it needs to function, any number of problems can arise. So, as Hanna Kroeger used to say, “Eat your meat!”