Proteins provide energy to the body and are used to build muscle. The heart and parts of red blood cells are made of protein. There are 22 amino acids that make up proteins, and the body can produce some but needs 9 essential amino acids from food. Complete proteins contain all 9 essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins do not. People need about half a gram of protein per pound of body weight each day.

1.  Protein Getting Energy from Food

2. We learned that sugar from carbohydrates gives the body energy. Energy is also supplied to your body through proteins. Your body uses protein for a lot of things, including making muscle. You need muscle to move around and be active and strong.

3. Protein does a lot of different jobs Your heart is made from protein because your heart is a muscle. The part of your red blood cells that carry oxygen is also made from protein .

4. Protein is also a part of the system that keeps you from getting sick.

5. Some foods that provide protein

6. Proteins are made of amino acids . Each protein has a different mix of amino acids. Altogether there are 22 amino acids. Your body can make some of them, but there are nine that must come from the foods you eat. Foods that have all 9 of the amino acids you can’t make are called complete proteins . Foods that don’t have these nine amino acids you can’t make are called incomplete proteins . Incomplete proteins come from plants, like nuts, beans, grains and vegetables.

7. How much protein do you need? Protein is measured in grams, it is estimated that you need about ½ gram of protein for every pound you weigh. So, an 80 pound student needs about 40 grams of protein a day. So, a tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread with a glass of milk would be about 29 grams of protein.