Why are protein foods important?
Your body uses protein (after breaking it down) to repair, build and maintain muscles and other body tissues, produce neurotransmitters (message transmitters), help with weight loss if overweight, and help your brain function.
Want that in very clear straight-forward English? Your body wont function well without enough of it.
Much of our protein intake is derived from animal sources (meat, eggs, dairy, poultry, fish).
Not keen on animal foods but need to increase your protein intake?
Have you considered the very wide range of plant sources of protein?
Some sources to consider are beans (lentils, chickpeas, black beans), quinoa, chia seed, hemp seed, avocado, tofu, asparagus, watercress, spinach, green peas, corn, sweet potato, peanuts, almonds.