Dear Mr. Dad: It seems that almost every product out there claims to be high in protein. Do we really need so much protein?
A: In a word, No.
There’s no question that protein is important. It plays a role in just about everything that goes on in our body, keeping our bones and muscles strong; our nails, skin, and hair looking good; our internal organs running properly; and more. But the proliferation of high-protein products and the non-stop barrage of ads has got millions of us convinced that we’re not getting enough protein. In reality, however, we’re getting way too much. And our fixation on this one nutrient could be making us sick. Or worse.
The solution? Fiber.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that we get an average of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. (Since most Americans don’t know their weight in kilograms, an easier way to calculate how many grams of protein you need is to simply multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.36.) On average, that works out to about 46 grams per day for women, 56 for men (pregnant women, athletes, and those who work out a lot may need more protein, but check with your medical provider before you start messing with your diet).
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