What are proteins?

Proteins are essential nutrients that help in the growth, development, and repair of body tissues. They are known as body-building nutrients because they help build muscles, cells, and other parts of the body.

Proteins play an important role in repairing damaged tissues and replacing old body cells with new ones. They are especially necessary for growing children, teenagers, and people recovering from illness or injury because their bodies require more growth and repair.

Common protein-rich foods include pulses, beans, lentils, milk, curd, paneer, eggs, fish, meat, nuts, and seeds. These foods provide the building materials required for maintaining a healthy body.

Proteins also support important body functions, including the formation of enzymes, hormones, and substances that help protect the body from diseases.

A balanced diet should contain an adequate amount of proteins along with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and water. Lack of enough protein in the diet may lead to poor growth, weakness, and health problems.