{"id":51221,"date":"2018-08-26T10:00:04","date_gmt":"2018-08-26T14:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-well.ca\/?p=51221"},"modified":"2026-07-03T09:49:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T13:49:06","slug":"5-things-to-know-about-protein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/5-things-to-know-about-protein\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Need to Know About Protein"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Protein, a macronutrient praised for its nutritional benefits, is more than just<\/em> chicken. Originating from the Greek word \u201cproteios\u201d (loosely translated as \u201cfirst one\u201d or \u201cfirst in rank\u201d), proteins are formed by a varying bunch of amino acids that are chained together by peptide bond. Now that we\u2019ve covered the basics, let\u2019s jump right into some of the other things you may not (but should) know about protein.<\/p>\n

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    It keeps you alive.<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Protein is fundamental to your very being as it\u2019s responsible for both building and repairing muscle tissues. As one of your diet\u2019s three macronutrients, protein makes up an average of 15% of any adult\u2019s bodyweight and exists in every single cell occupied by the human body. You couldn\u2019t live without it.<\/p>\n

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      There isn\u2019t just ONE<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Fun fact: you are housing MILLIONS of proteins. Research shows that your body alone can generate nearly 2 million of the 10+ million different kinds of proteins identified across varying biological organisms.<\/p>\n

      Though plentiful, not all of these are created equal, nor do they serve the same purpose. While some of these exist to store other nutrients, many others stand by for defense\u2014for example, hormonal proteins like insulin work with the pancreas to regulate blood sugar, while structure-focused collagen forms the connective tissue found in your muscles, bones and cartilage. Other kinds of protein, like the whey found in your supplements and dairy products, occupy a more functional role by helping your body transport water and nutrients.<\/p>\n

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        It\u2019s not only for the gym<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        While a good protein shake makes for the perfect workout<\/a> companion, protein contributes to more than just muscle building\u2014it\u2019s integral to your health! Among its many benefits, you can credit it for:<\/p>\n