Question

How much protein is required? What does the book say about the required protein for a healthy adult?

Answer 1

Protein is an essential nutrient required by our body to carry out nearly 300 functions. It is called building blocks of tissues as our skin, hair, muscles constitute protein. It is also a source of energy.  

Required protein for a healthy adult :

• The recommended dietary intake of protein is 0.8 grams per kg body weight in a day or 0.3 to 0.35 grams per pound in a day.
• Therefore , if a person is living a sedantary lifestyle the requirement of protein in a day average upto 56 grams per day for a man and 46 grams per day in a woman.
• If the person is leading an active lifestyle, protein intake can be increased and athletes requirement of protein is higher as the consumption of energy is higher. Therefore , the requirement of protein depends on age , activity levels, disease conditions.
• 1.5 to 2 grams per body weight of protein in a day can be consumed by healthy adults.
• Eggs, milk, dairy products, chicken, fish , red meat, pulses, legumes, quinoa, nuts are a great source of protein.

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