To help you save time in case you are just looking for a quick answer, we will tell you the main three uses of protein in the body in this section.
Of course, we will not be able to go into detail for each of protein’s uses in this section – if you are looking for a more in-depth explanation, we will cover each fully later in this article.
So, what is protein used for? Well, the main three uses for protein in the body are muscle growth, maintaining healthy bones, and protecting the immune system.
Protein has many more uses than this, but these are the predominant roles that protein plays in our bodies.
This makes protein extremely important. Not only is protein needed to grow and maintain muscle, but it is also needed for healthy bones and strengthening your immune system.
It’s also worth noting that protein is not the only important macro you need to factor in to have a good diet.
Just do a quick search for “what is fat used for” or “what are carbs used for” after reading this article to find out just how important each of the main macronutrients truly are.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at the main uses for protein in the body.
Repairs Muscle & Enables Muscle Growth
The first and most well-known role of protein in diet is its ability to repair muscles and make them grow stronger.
We won’t bore you with the details of how this process takes place; but just know that protein is the main building block that allows muscle growth and repair to take place.
This is so much the case that without consuming any protein, you will not be able to build/repair muscle no matter how many calories you eat.
This isn’t only important for bodybuilders and powerlifters; it’s also important for everyday people too.
You need to consume protein to maintain the current muscle mass you possess.
This is especially important for people who have physically demanding jobs, as the constant barrage of muscle damage can quickly become an issue if protein is lacking in their diet.
When it comes to how much protein is needed for muscle growth and repair, most people drastically overestimate how much protein we have to consume.
For people who do not hit the gym or have physically demanding jobs, simply consuming a few sources of protein-rich foods per day should suffice.
For those of you who do work out or have physically demanding jobs, a good figure to reach for is 1 gram of protein per 1lb of body weight. This is more than enough to build and repair muscle.
The role that protein plays in muscle growth and repair cannot be overstated, and it is undeniably one of its most important functions.
Protects Your Immune System
Another one of the main protein uses in the body is that it protects your immune system and helps fight off diseases.
Protein plays a vital role in the creation of antibodies, the cells that fight off bacteria, viruses, and diseases.
This makes protein incredibly important for overall health.
If you go without protein for long enough or are unable to consume enough of it in your diet, your ability to fight off illnesses and stay healthy will be severely diminished.
This is an aspect of protein that often does not get touched upon when it comes to the question of what is protein used for, but it is something that everyone should know in order to keep people healthy and disease free.
Protein is used to maintain your bones to keep them healthy and strong, and it can also increase bone density, making them less likely to break when placed under stress.
This might not sound like all too big of a deal; surely having dense bones is not that big of an advantage? Well, think again.
Breaking a bone from a fall is one of the leading causes of death in older people (this is due to the fact that some elderly people are too weak to operate on), so having dense bones could actually end up saving your life way down the line.
It will also just allow you to become more physically capable in general.
That goes without mentioning the fact that having dense bones will mean you will have a much lower chance of going through the uncomfortable experience of breaking something and spending weeks in hospital – it is not a very pleasant process.
Having strong and healthy bones is going to make your life go much more smoothly, and this makes protein tremendously important when it comes to your health and well-being.
What Is Protein Used For – FAQs
What is the Importance of Protein?
The importance of protein is due to its role in repairing and growing muscles, strengthening the immune system, and building strong bones.
Without adequate protein, a person would become weak and vulnerable to a variety of diseases and illnesses.
What is a Good Source of Protein?
A good source of protein is chicken or fish, but there are plenty of other good options out there.
Nuts, protein powder, and, milk, beans, and oats are also good sources of protein.
What is the Role of Protein?
The role of protein is to grow and repair muscles, strengthen the immune system, and grow strong bones.
Protein plays a vital role in our diets, and without it, we would not be able to function properly as human beings.
What Are The Benefits of Protein Powder?
The benefits of protein powder are that it allows you to get a lot of protein easily.
Most protein powder is also low-calorie, so it can also act as a great way to get more protein into one’s diet without gaining weight.
We hope this article will be useful to you.
Questions like “what is protein’s function” and “what are proteins needed for” are becoming increasingly common, and this just proves that information surrounding diet and nutrition just is not as widespread as it should be.
Protein can help you build muscle, maintain a strong immune system, and keep your bones strong and healthy.
This makes protein incredibly important, and everyone should aim to consume a decent amount of it every day.
Everyone should know the answer to what is protein used for, and if they did, the world would be a healthier place.
For more nutritional advice and fitness tips, don’t hesitate to check out the rest of our content on MovingForwards. We have plenty of articles dedicated to building muscle, losing weight, and nutrition.
