What Protein is Good For

On Protein Day, which falls on September 11th annually, let's take a look at what protein is good for. Protein is one of the three major nutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats, that keep the human body functioning smoothly. It forms the structure of muscles, bones, skin, hair and blood, making it essential for strength, movement and repair. 

Different proteins have different jobs. Actin and myosin help muscles contract and relax allowing us function daily - move, walk, lift etc. Hemoglobin and albumin carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and help regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Collagen - a buzz word in Japan in recent years - supports bones and skin, while keratin forms hairs and nails.

Around one-sixth of our body weight is made of protein, showing just how fundamental it is to daily life. Without enough protein, the body struggles to maintain energy, repair tissues and stay resilient.  When I was growing up, protein was something people associated with athletes, but over the years its importance to one and all has been more widely promoted.