As parents we want the best for our kids. “The best” can be defined in many different ways but one thing is certain, being physically and mentally healthy is a critical component to being the best!
Turns out, protein is where it all begins. Did you know that protein is a key factor to healthy living from your first breath to your last? For young children, “protein is essential for stimulating growth, maintenance and repair of the body.” – www.srnutrition.co.uk
Protein: The Essential Building Block for Growth, Strength, and Recovery
When we’re young our body’s job is to grow bigger, to grow stronger and to learn. Protein is the key factor to that growth and learning. Because protein is the building block in every cell in our bodies, protein is what a baby must have in his/her diet to begin to build enough strength to roll over, sit up, pull up, stand, balance, walk and run. And as we continue to want to have a strong, toned body for sports and hobbies, protein is at the heart of that equation. Likewise, in our twilight years, protein is what will keep our muscles strong enough to allow us to get up and down and run around with grandkids.
Growing our bodies to be bigger and stronger depends on protein, but of course, there are strains and pains along the way. Believe it or not, protein is also responsible for repairing these little, and big, injuries too. Protein helps the body repair and replace old and/or damaged cells.
Immunity and Brain Development
Parents, important to note is that protein is an essential macronutrient. “Macro,” defined as large, means that our bodies need a lot of it to ensure adequate energy for everything we want to do. But also important to note is that the human body cannot make all of its own protein, we require additional protein from animal and plant sources.
It’s easy to see a thriving body and know that it is the result of a diet with plenty of protein but what about less visible functions of protein, like how it supports our immune system and brain development? Every new school semester and season of the year our environment is bombarded with different germs. It’s protein that is on the frontline in our immune defense. “Protein is crucial for the immune system as it acts as a building block for white blood cells and is necessary to form antibodies which protect our body from foreign invaders.” – Feb 15, 2023 https://www.healthline.com
With a healthy, fit body the brain can focus on learning.
Eating good sources of protein helps to boost our levels of serotonin and dopamine and this is really important as these help to boost energy and mental clarity. Being alert and sharp helps puts everyone at the top of their game, from the very young to the very old. – www.brainfit.world
Protein’s job doesn’t end when our kids get out of school, in fact protein is beneficial, even critically vital, in the aging population. Protein strengthens those neural connections, or synapses, in the adult brain’s hippocampus, an area that is involved in memory and learning. – Nov 8, 2018 – medicalnewstoday.com
So from a young age to old age we can help our kids be their best selves, and also be our best selves, simply by eating protein. Remember, muscle growth stimulation, cellular repair, having a robust immune system and a clear memory all come from feasting on quality sources of plant and animal proteins.