Colorado Reader March 2020: Building Blocks Fuel Your Fun | Page 3

Building BLock: Protein
What is protein
Proteins are naturally occurring substances found in
animal products and some plant products. Proteins
are in every living cell in the body. Our bodies need
proteins from the foods we eat to build and maintain
bones, muscles, and skin, and for our cells to function.
You need to eat proteins every day, because
your body doesn’t store them the way it stores
fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are found in
dairy, meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
What does protein do?
Protein provides our body with amino acids. Amino acids are
needed for growth. Amino acids also maintain and replace
body tissue such as muscles, bones, blood, and body organs.
There are over 20 amino acids, which join together
in different ways to make thousands of different
proteins. Eleven of these amino acids are made by our
bodies and are called ‘non-essential’ amino acids. The
other nine are called ‘essential’ amino acids because
you have to get them by eating the right foods.
What foods are a good
source of protein?
The best sources of proteins are lean meats, poultry, fish,
eggs, low fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like
black beans and lentils. Foods that provide all the essential
amino acids are called complete proteins. Proteins from
animal foods have all the essential amino acids you need.
Plant foods have some essential amino acids so they are
called incomplete proteins. Incomplete protein sources
include nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Therefore
it is important for vegetarians to chose meals wisely in
order to get all essential amino acids in their daily diet.

Beef has Zip
Zinc, iron and
protein, that is! These
body-building nutrients are in
some of your favorite foods,
like burgers and steak.
Zinc helps power
your brain. It helps
you think so you can
remember important
facts and pay attention
in school. It may even
help you get an A on
your math test! Zinc
also helps your body
heal when you have an
infection and helps you
fight off illness, like a cold.
Iron helps carry oxygen in your
blood. You brain and your body
need oxygen to help you do your
best. So whatever your thing
is - sports, music, writing -
you’ll do it better. Beef is one
of your best sources of iron.
Protein can supply energy
Beef Man
says, “You
need ZIP!”
for your body and keeps
you strong. That’s because
it helps build and repair all
parts of your body. Protein
helps give you the power to
perform, so go head and throw a ball or hit a high note!
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