Protein

Protein is one of the three main macronutrients, alongside fats and carbohydrates, yet for many years it was often the forgotten member of the trio. More recently, protein has become something of a celebrity in the nutrition world, appearing in everything from snack bars and cereals to coffee and desserts. Whilst the marketing can sometimes get a little carried away, the truth is that protein is essential for human health. Every cell in the body relies on it. Protein helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function, forms enzymes and hormones, transports nutrients, and helps maintain muscle mass, particularly as we age.

Protein is made up of smaller building blocks called amino acids. Some amino acids can be made by the body, whilst others, known as essential amino acids, must come from food. These amino acids are used to create everything from neurotransmitters involved in mood and focus, to collagen for skin and joints, to the antibodies that help defend us against infection. At the New School of Nutritional Medicine, we view protein as far more than a nutrient for bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts. It is a fundamental building material for life itself.