Protein Calculator: Calculate Your Daily Protein Needs

Proteins are one of the three essential nutrients that provide energy to the human body, along with fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are also responsible for a significant portion of the cellular processes, being essential for the proper structure and function of tissues and organs, and they also contribute to their regulation. Proteins consist of a number of amino acids that are essential for the proper functioning of the body, serving as the fundamental building blocks for body tissues. There are 20 different amino acids in total, and the sequence of amino acids determines the structure and function of the protein. While some amino acids can be synthesized in the body, there are 9 essential amino acids that the human body cannot obtain except from food sources (insufficient amounts of which can sometimes lead to death), and these are called essential amino acids. Foods that provide all essential amino acids are called complete protein sources, including both animal sources (meat, dairy products, eggs, and fish) and plant sources (soybeans, quinoa, and black beans).

Antibodies: Proteins that protect the body from foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, by binding to them.
Enzymes: Proteins that aid in the formation of new molecules and perform various chemical reactions that occur throughout the body.
Messenger Proteins: Proteins that transmit signals throughout the body to maintain body processes.
Structural Component: Proteins that act as building blocks for cells, allowing the body to move, transport, and store.

The amount of protein needed by the human body daily depends on various factors, including total energy consumption, individual growth, and physical activity level. It is often estimated based on body weight as a percentage of total calories (10-35%), or based on age alone. 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight is a commonly recommended dietary limit. This value is the minimum recommended to maintain basic nutritional requirements, but consuming more protein, up to a certain point, may be beneficial depending on protein sources. The recommended protein intake ranges between 0.8 grams/kg and 1.8 grams/kg of body weight, depending on the aforementioned factors. Highly active individuals or those looking to build more muscle generally need to consume more protein. Some sources suggest a consumption range of 1.8 to 2 grams/kg for highly active individuals. The precise amount of protein a person should consume is not yet an exact science, and each individual should consult a specialist, whether a nutritionist, doctor, or personal trainer, to help determine their individual needs.

There are various food groups that anyone can consume to meet their protein requirements. For many people, a significant portion of protein comes from consuming meat and dairy products, although it is possible to obtain sufficient protein while adhering to certain dietary restrictions. Generally, it is easier to meet the recommended amount of protein by consuming meat and dairy products, but excessive intake of either can have a negative impact on health. There are plenty of plant-based protein options, although they generally contain a lower amount of protein in a specific meal. Ideally, a person should consume a mix of meat, dairy products, and plant-based foods to meet their daily nutritional needs and maintain a balanced diet full of nutrients.
Examples of Meat/Dairy: Eggs, chicken breast, cheese, milk, beef, tuna, turkey breast, shrimp.
Plant-based Examples: Black beans, chickpeas, soy products, peanut butter on toast or any other bread, hemp seeds, rice, avocado, mushrooms.
In general, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are considered complete protein sources. Nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, and vegetables, among other things, usually constitute incomplete proteins. However, there's no harm in incomplete proteins, and there are many healthy protein-rich foods considered incomplete proteins. As long as you consume a sufficient variety of incomplete proteins to obtain all the required amino acids, it's not necessary to specifically consume complete protein foods. In fact, some red meats rich in fat, for example, a common source of complete proteins, can be unhealthy.
Here are some examples of protein-rich foods that are not complete proteins: Almonds, oats, broccoli, lentils, bread, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, green peas, avocado, mushrooms.