Quick Answer:
Protein is needed by your body because is one of the three macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats. This macronutrient is an essential part of your body that is made up of amino acids. These amino acids form chains and are mixed with vitamins and minerals to function properly.
Full Answer:
Protein is one of the three macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats, which the body needs in large amounts to survive. It is an essential part of your body that is made up of amino acids. These amino acids form chains and are mixed with vitamins and minerals to function properly. When you consume protein, your body breaks down the protein into its amino acid base and uses those amino acids to aid in muscle recovery, making new proteins, or burned as energy. Proteins have many different roles within the human body, they are structural builders; found in every cell they are responsible for the foundation of muscles, bones, skin, and tendons. Proteins are also responsible for transporting lipids, vitamins, minerals, and oxygen around the body. Finally, proteins fight viruses and bacteria that invade the body.
Other Benefits
Eating a diet high in protein will help improve your nails and outer layer of skin, muscle tissue, the inner structure of your bone, and red blood cells. Over half of the protein that a person consumes in a day goes to making enzymes that break down food or make new cells. Amping up the protein is beneficial to anyone not just athletes looking to increase muscle mass or those trying to lose weight.
Muscle Rebuilding
Proteins can help in weight loss by assisting in maintaining muscle mass. If you continuously have a calorie deficit there is a chance that your body will turn to muscle for a source of energy. By consuming protein, you ensure that your muscles are staying well fed. The next way protein helps those lose weight is by making people feel full longer. You will be less likely to reach for a carby substitute if you don’t feel hungry. Finally, it takes more calories to burn when it is being broken down in the body. This is called thermic effect.
References: acaloriecounter, WebMD, Dummies, Eatbalanced, Healthyeating