Proteins are found in every cell in your body. These chains of amino acids are important for repair, maintenance and growth of cells, and are essential for healthy muscles, organs, glands, and skin.
As protein is broken down and used up in your body, you must replace it by consuming protein via your diet. There's no question that eating enough high-quality protein is essential to good health, but in the US most people eat more protein than they need.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):1
"…most adults in the United States get more than enough protein to meet their needs. It's rare for someone who is healthy and eating a varied diet to not get enough protein."
As you get older, however, this isn't necessarily true. As you age, your muscle mass and strength begins to decline at an accelerating rate, which means your body may need more protein than it did when you were younger.
Your ability to process protein also declines with age, further raising your protein requirements.
Seniors working out image via Shutterstock.
Read more at ENN Affiliate the Organic Consumers Association.