Protein is a macronutrient found in most foods. Like carbohydrates and fat, protein can also provide energy, but the best use of protein is in cell building and repair. Eating enough protein is important for building muscle mass, immune cells, organs, bones, and connective tissue in your body. Protein also supports the development of vital organs including our brain, heart and liver and enables us to carry oxygen around our blood via a protein called Haemoglobin. So, it’s pretty useful!

Diving a little deeper, proteins are made up of smaller components called amino acids. We can make many proteins by breaking chains of amino acids during the digestive process and remaking them into proteins. However, 9 of the 22 amino acids (known as the essential amino acids) required to build proteins can only be obtained from food.

There are many different sources of protein and all can have a place in a healthy balanced diet, but it can help to try and prioritize high-quality protein sources where possible. You can learn more about examples of these and why they are great options in our articles “Examples of foods rich in high-quality protein” and “Why is high-quality protein good for you?”