How Much Protein Should Women Eat?

Protein can be found in many foods including meat, cheese, yogurt, chicken and soy.

Protein is Essential

The human body requires protein as an essential nutrient. Protein is responsible for such things as building muscle, skin, nails, hair and carrying oxygen throughout the blood. Healthy adults require between 50 to 60 grams of protein daily. Protein can be found in many foods including meat, cheese, yogurt, chicken and soy.

Too Much Protein

Eating too much protein may cause serious health problems. Too much protein in one's diet may lead to heart disease, kidney problems,stroke and osteoporosis. Multiplying one's body weight by 0.36 will calculate the amount of protein necessary for optimal health.

Bottom Line

Protein is essential for a healthy body; however; eating too many protein rich foods may be a detriment to health. Typically, Americans are eating twice as much protein in their diet than what is required as a daily standard.

References

• Medicine Net: Will Eating More Protein Help Your Body Gain Muscle Faster?
• Center for Young Women's Health: Protein
• Feminist Women's Health Center: High Protein Diets - Are You Losing More Than Weight?