Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

Protein is essential to the structure of red blood cells, for the proper functioning of antibodies resisting infection, for the regulation of enzymes and hormones, for growth, and for the repair of body tissue.

Protein should account for 10% to 20% of the calories consumed each day. Proteins are, in effect, the main actioners in cells and in an entire organism. Without proteins the most basic functions of life could not be carried out. When the protein intake is insufficient, there will be slower production of new cells, growth retardation, weight loss, short stature, fatigue, lowered immunity, anemia, slowly recovering from illness, mental decline and other conditions.

Protein has a range of essential functions in the body, including the following:

• Required for building and repair of body tissues (including muscle)
• Enzymes, hormones, and many immune molecules are proteins
• Essential body processes such as water balancing, nutrient transport, and muscle contractions require protein to function.
• Protein is a source of energy.
• Protein helps keep skin, hair, and nails healthy.
• Protein, like most other essential nutrients, is absolutely crucial for overall good health.