Proteins

Proteins are an important part of the food you eat. Your body uses protein to build and fix things inside you. Your muscles, skin, and hair are all made of protein. Even your blood has protein in it. You need to eat protein every day to stay strong.

Foods with Protein

Many foods have protein in them. Meat, chicken, and fish are full of protein. Eggs and milk have protein too. If you do not eat meat, you can get protein from beans, nuts, and tofu. Even some vegetables have a little bit of protein.

How Protein Helps

When you eat protein, your body breaks it into tiny pieces called amino acids. These pieces are like building blocks. Your body uses them to make new cells and fix old ones. Protein helps kids grow taller and stronger. It also helps heal cuts and scrapes.

Fun Facts

• There are 20 different amino acids that make up all the proteins in your body.
• Your body can make some amino acids, but others have to come from food.
• The word protein comes from a Greek word meaning very important.

Did You Know?

A single egg has about six grams of protein, which is a great snack for growing kids.