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What is Protein? Proteins are the primary component of numerous body tissues. They are the main component of muscle tissue. Protein helps muscle development, increases strength, and improves athletic performance. Proteins also make up the outer layers of hair, nails and skin. Each gram of protein contains 4 calories. Function of Protein The most important function of protein is to build up, keep up, and replace the tissues in your body. Your muscles, your organs, and some of your hormones are made up mostly of protein. Protein also makes antibodies and hemoglobin (responsible for delivering oxygen to your blood cells). What is Protein Made of? Proteins are made up of sequences of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids. Our body is able to produce 14 of the 20 amino acids. We have to get the remaining amino acids from the foods we eat. The amino acids that our body is able to produce are called Non-Essential Amino Acids. The amino acids that our body is unable to produce are called Essential Amino Acids. Foods high in Protein Eggs, milk, meat, apricots, avocados, bananas, cherries, dates, figs, nuts, beans, and grapes. High Protein Diet High-protein diets produce rapid weight loss by stimulating the loss of fluids from the body. High protein diets can be dangerous if not done properly. Some researchers believe that high protein diets do more harm than good. In some cases, excess protein can increase the risk of ill health. For instance, it can worsen the symptoms of liver and kidney disease. Do not go on a high protein diet without talking to your doctor first.
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