Protein

What:

Your body is literally made up of protein! Your muscles, organs, tissues, and immune system are all made of protein.  Protein is comprised of over 20 different amino acids, nine of which are essential.  That means you can't live without them!

Why:

Protein grows, replaces, and maintains your body's tissues. You need protein to help you grow and stay strong. Kids grow faster than adults, so you may need a little more protein than mom and dad.  Proteins also  have lots of other jobs inside your body, as enzymes, hormones, regulators, transporters, and antibodies.  Infact, proteins are busy at work even when you're taking a math test, watching tv, or riding a bike! Protein is the most essential nutrient to help you grow strong and tall. 

How:

You probably already eat enough protein without even thinking about it! But each of the amino acids is a little different, so it's best to eat different kinds of proteins -- sometimes in the same meal or same day -- to meet your daily needs. Nutritious sources of protein include:

~Animal proteins like milk, meat, cheese, eggs and chicken.
~Vegetable and soy proteins like peanut butter, tofu, and beans.