Day 4 Of 9 Knowing Nutrients

Protein

Most Americans typically eat more protein than is required, about 1-11/2 as much as needed.  Protein should provide 15- to 20 percent of all the calories you eat in a day.  When too much protein is consumed, it is either used as an inefficient source of energy or converted to fat.  Excessive protein consumption, either from food sources or supplements, may cause dehydration and kidney problems.
Some high protein foods can be high in fat and calories, and can contribute to development of heart disease.

Protein is the main component of muscle tissue. It provided the building blocks for important hormones and digestive enzymes.  Protein is needed for a healthy immune system and to carry oxygen in the blood.  The basic building blocks of all protein are called amino acids.
There are two types of amino acids:
Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body: they must be obtained from the foods that you eat.
Nonessential amino acids can be produced by the body.

There are two types of protein:
Complete protein foods contain all the nine essential amino acids in the correct amount for growth.  Sources of complete protein include dairy products, eggs, chicken, fish and meats.
Incomplete  protein foods lack one or more of the nine essential amino acids or contain them in the wrong amount.  Sources of incomplete protein include beans, grains, fruit, nuts and vegetables. 
When certain plant foods are combined with another plant food or animal protein, the protein becomes more useful to the body.  Therefore, combining incomplete proteins can make a complete protein source.