Protein is an extremely important part of all diet plans. A high protein diet is often recommended by bodybuilders and nutritionists to help efforts to build muscle and lose fat. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets have been widely promoted in recent years as an effective approach to losing weight. These diets generally recommend dieters receive 30% to 50% of their total calories from protein. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein according to U.S. government standards is 0.8 gram per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of ideal body weight for the adult. Some of these diets restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and don't provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet nutritional needs. People on high-protein diets are consuming up to 34% of their total calories in the form of protein and up to 53% of total calories from fat.

Normally the body burns carbohydrates for fuel this is the main source of fuel for your brain, heart and many other organs. Protein is a vital nutrient, essential to your health. Some are high protein and emphasize foods like meat, eggs and cheese, which are rich in protein and saturated fat. Some high-protein diets de-emphasize high-carbohydrate, high-fiber plant foods. All diets are made up of calories. It is the building block of muscle. Protein is measured by the gram. Everything you eat and drink (besides obvious calorie-free things like water and celery, etc.) has calories in it. Proteins help replace and form new tissue, transports oxygen and nutrients in our blood and cells, regulates the balance of water and acids, and is needed to make antibodies. Protein malnutrition leads to the condition known as kwashiorkor.

Lack of protein can cause growth failure, loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, weakening of the heart and respiratory system, and death. These foods help lower cholesterol when eaten as part of a nutritionally balanced diet. The anti-carb craze has everything to do with the recent resurgence in high-protein fad diets. Although protein is certainly an essential nutrient which plays many key roles in the way our bodies function, we do not need huge quantities of it. A healthy diet that includes a variety of foods and is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables along with regular physical activity can help most people manage and maintain weight loss for both cardiovascular health and appearance.