Protein — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Protein

Protein is one of the essential nutrients the human body needs to grow, repair, and function properly. It is found in a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Proteins are made up of smaller units called amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids, and the body can make some of them on its own. However, nine amino acids — called essential amino acids — must come from food because the body cannot produce them.

When you eat protein, your digestive system breaks it down into individual amino acids. These amino acids are then used to build new proteins throughout the body. Muscles, skin, hair, nails, enzymes, and hormones are all made from protein.

Protein is especially important for growth and repair. After exercise, muscles develop tiny tears that protein helps to rebuild, making the muscles stronger over time. Children and teenagers need plenty of protein to support the rapid growth that happens during these years.

A balanced diet should include a variety of protein sources. Animal products like meat and eggs provide complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Plant-based sources like beans and nuts can also supply all essential amino acids when combined across a varied diet.

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