How much protein should be consumed per day and why is it needed?

Like carbohydrates and fats, proteins are necessary for the optimal functioning of the human body and are essential for building components such as muscle, tissue and blood, among others. But how much protein should we consume on a daily basis?

Second World Health Organization (WHO)an individual must consume the day between 0.8 and one gram of protein for every kilogram of your weight.

While, Daniel Pendickexecutive editor of the journal Harvard Men’s Health Watchstates that the recommended daily dose is “the minimum amount required in order not to get sick.

Certain factors such as age, gender or physical activity can vary the amount of protein a person should consume on a daily basis. In any case it is important not to exceed two grams per kilo per day.

An article from Harvard Health Publishing explains that “people who eat a diet high in protein are at increased risk of kidney stones” and that “a diet high in protein from red meat can lead to a increased risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

In contrast, a “high protein diet of vegetable origin such as whole grains, beans and other legumes, nuts, and greens do not pose similar risks”He added.