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The UK Department of Health and Social Security recommend daily intake of protein is 68g for men and 54g for women. However these figures don't take into account the differences in body size and weight. For example a 5ft slim woman doesn't need as much as a 5ft 10 athletically built woman. A better measurement of ho much you take is according to your actual body weight. You should consume between 0.6 and 0.8 grams of protein for each kilogram you weigh. For example if you weigh 60kg you should be eating somewhere between 36-48 grams of protein every day.

Like everything else, you shouldn't consume excessively high amounts of protein. Eating ten times the recommended daily intake could increase the risk of liver and kidney disease. But it is very difficult to physically eat this much. For example you would have to eat ten full sized chicken breasts to reach these kind of levels.

The Final Thought

Unlike its cousins fat and carbohydrate, protein doesn't suffer from any bad press. Its importance to a healthy body is undisputed. Our skin, muscles and organs are all dependant on these little building blocks. However, many people don't give their protein intake a second thought. Its all carbs and calories, fats and fibre - none of which are any more crucial to our bodies as protein.

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