Protein

Your body is made up of millions of tiny parts called cells. Until you are about 18 your body makes new cells in order to grow, and it needs to repair and replace old cells all your life. The energy to make and repair body cells comes from protein. Protein is a part of food that is used to build and repair your body.

When you digest your food, proteins are broken down and used to build many different parts of the body such as muscles, hair, skin and blood cells. You get protein from eating food that comes from animals and plants. Foods with lots of protein include meat, fish, milk, eggs, cheese and nuts.