...Nutrition Breakdown...
Protein provides calories that can be used by the body as a source of energy. It is essential for growth and maintenance of body tissues: hormone, enzymes and antibody production: and the regulation of bodily fluids. It is the basic building block of Amino Acids.
Children and Pregnant women and nursing mothers need more protein to support growth.
Illness, infections, attacks on the immune system and malnutrition can affect how much protein the body needs and how well it can use the protein it receives.
Too much protein is linked too Osteoporosis, dehydration, and gout. It can cause the liver and kidneys to overwork, which can damage vital organs. The body is not equipped to use excess protein. Unused protein is broken down and stored in the body as fat. This contributes to the high obesity issues millions experience today.
Protein should contribute only 12% to 15% of a day's calories. In a 2,000-calorie diet, protein should provide approximately 240 to 300 calories.
Protein contains 4 calories per gram, so 60 to 75 grams provide the recommended calorie range.
Protein found in a human cell are composed of about 20 amino acids, most of which are produced by the body. However, those that are not produced by the body must come from what we consume. This type of required amino acid is described as an Essential Amino Acid, of which there are a total of eight. Foods are categorized as either complete or incomplete proteins depending on the presence or lack of amino acids.