What is protein? “Protein” refers to the macronutrient found in many foods and drinks. People generally say “protein” (or “dietary protein”) when talking about nutrition and “proteins” when discussing the science of how the individual molecules work within your body. Dietary protein is a crucial nutrient that keeps your body going.

Protein A representation of the 3D structure of the protein myoglobin showing turquoise α-helices. This protein was the first to have its structure solved by X-ray crystallography. Toward the right-center among the coils, a prosthetic group called a heme group (shown in gray) with a bound oxygen molecule (red).

Protein is an essential macronutrient, but not all food sources of protein are created equal, and you may not need as much as you think. Learn the basics about protein and shaping your diet with healthy protein foods. Jump to: – What is protein? – How much protein do I need? – It’s all about the protein “package” – Research on protein and human health – Protein foods and the ...

As federal dietary guidelines shift and influencers hawk endless supplements, Stanford Medicine nutrition experts help separate protein hype from medical science.

How much protein should we really be eating? Five things to know

A protein is a naturally occurring, extremely complex substance that consists of amino acid residues joined by peptide bonds. Proteins are present in all living organisms and include many essential biological compounds such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.