Nutritionist post - Are you getting enough Protein?

Are you getting enough protein in your diet? How much should you be having?

Protein is broken down in the body into amino acids. There are 20 amino acids, 10 are essential amino acids. Protein is essential for a number of body functions including immune function, hormones, neurotransmitters, sleep, digestion, cellular & tissue fluid regulation, muscle, hair and skin.

The average person requires 1 gram of protein to 1 kg, which means if you weigh 65 kgs you need around 65 grams of protein. As a woman protein is a must for building muscle or weight loss. When we consume protein, it takes more energy to digest it than other foods therefore burning calories when we break it down.

There are two types of protein complete and non complete. This means that complete protein contains all the 10 essential amino acids. Animal protein is complete and plant sources are incomplete. When consuming plant sources of protein combining different sources can make it a complete protein.

Here is a list of different vegetarian sources of protein