{"id":9206,"date":"2015-08-24T07:00:22","date_gmt":"2015-08-24T13:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/?p=9206"},"modified":"2021-08-25T08:21:09","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T14:21:09","slug":"why-is-protein-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/why-is-protein-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Protein Power: 12 Quick and Easy Protein-Filled Snacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

From your head to your toes and everything in between, protein is a necessary component of every cell in the body.<\/span><\/strong> Your body uses protein to build and repair tissue, and it is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other essential chemicals in the body. Your hair and nails are almost exclusively made of protein. Clearly, protein is indispensable\u2014both in your body and in your diet.<\/p>\n

Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a macronutrient, meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. Vitamins and minerals, which are only needed in small quantities, are called micronutrients. But unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein and, therefore, has no reservoir to draw on when it needs a new supply.<\/p>\n

One study<\/a> suggests that consuming protein at regular intervals during the day may help support whole-body metabolism. Eating snacks rich in protein throughout the day could aid how your body uses this essential nutrient.<\/p>\n

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How much do I need?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Exactly how much protein you need changes with age. According to WebMD<\/a>, here are a few guidelines for daily protein intake, according to age:<\/p>\n