How Much Protein Should a Woman Have?
- Meat is a source of dietary protein.meat burger for grill/barbecue image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
- Protein is an important element of a healthy diet. The nutrient aids in proper muscle, organ and hormone maintenance. Protein helps produce antibodies to fight infections and is used in nail, hair and skin production. Adult women require about 0.8g per kilogram of body weight every day. Pregnant women require 30 grams more per day while nursing mothers should increase their daily protein intake by 20 grams. Meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans and peanut butter are all examples of protein-rich foods.
- It is important to monitor daily intakes of protein as taking too much of the nutrient can result in the loss of calcium, dehydration, kidney and liver damage. Diets that are high in protein may contribute to high cholesterol, obesity, osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease.
- It is necessary for women to have sources of protein in their diets every day. Women should aim to stay within the recommended daily amounts in order to maintain a healthy body.
