Protein in our foods

Protein is required by the body for the growth, maintenance and repair of all cells. Protein is a major component of all muscles, tissues and organs and is vital for practically every process that occurs within the body such as metabolism, digestion and the transportation of nutrients and oxygen in the blood. 

It is also necessary for the production of antibodies, which fight against infection and illness, and is the main nutrient that keeps our hair shiny and healthy, our nails strong, our skin fresh and glowing and our bones strong and healthy.

Unless you are an athlete or body builder the average person requires 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight. For example, a 70kg individual will require around 70grams of protein a day.

Consuming insufficient levels of protein can cause muscles to break down (hindering weight loss) and weaken your immunity and heart. Too much protein however, can increase your cholesterol (if you eating too many fatty meats) and cause your kidneys to go into overdrive, make you weak and dizzy and dehydrated.

Levels of protein in our food:

• 1 grilled lean beef steak (135g) 38.2grams
• 1 grilled skinless chicken breast (160g) 39.6grams
• 1 grilled fillet hoki (120g) 26.8g
• 1 can tuna in spring water (90g) 25.3grams
• 1/4 can boiled red kidney beans (100g) 8.4grams
• Tofu (100g) 8.1grams
• 1 cup reduced fat milk (260ml)16.9grams
• 1 boiled egg(50g) 6.4grams
•  1 pottle plain, low fat yoghurt (150g) 7.2grams
• 1/4 can baked beans in tomato sauce (100g) 4.2 grams
• 10 almonds (10g) 2.5grams