Protein foods refer to any type of food that contains a significant amount of protein, which is an essential macronutrient required for various bodily functions. Proteins are made up of amino acids and play a crucial role in the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues, including muscles, organs, skin, hair, and nails.
Protein foods come from both animal sources (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products) and plant sources (like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds). The quality of protein varies depending on the presence or absence of essential amino acids in a particular food. Animal-based proteins are generally considered to be complete proteins because they contain all nine essential amino acids, while plant-based proteins may lack one or more of these essential nutrients and are often referred to as incomplete proteins.
Including protein foods in your diet is important for maintaining good health, especially if you engage in regular physical activity or have an active lifestyle. The recommended daily intake of protein varies depending on age, gender, weight, and level of physical activity, but generally falls between 0.8 to 1 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day for adults.