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Let's simplify the understanding of proteins. First, all living organisms are made of various chains of proteins. Proteins are the generic umbrella term for any (very) large molecule made up of smaller sub-unit molecules called amino acids. These amino acids are like different colored beads on a necklace. If you change the order or the number of beads (amino acids), then you've made a different necklace (a different protein). What makes one human being different from another is the presence of different proteins (or amino acid chains) in differing quantities.
Proteins are also responsible for just about every process in the human body, from metabolism, to stress responses, to sleep cycles and the body's natural healing response. When you are dieting and exercising, it is definitely wise to increase your protein consumption by including a source of protein like whey protein. (Whey protein comes from milk when it's whipped to separate the fat and protein from the liquid. Companies just separate out the fat and dehydrate the protein to sell). Why whey? It's a "complete" protein, meaning it contains high enough quantities of all 20 essential amino acids. This is very important, since many people think increasing protein consumption means having a double patty burger or an extra drumstick. Yes, this is true, but most sources of protein (meat) are unbalanced and contain a larger quantity of one amino acid over another. One good example is soy protein, from soy beans. Many people don't know that soy protein is deficient in methionine, an essential amino acid. If all your protein comes from soy, then your body will be malnourished; it will be lacking methionine from you diet, so will begin breaking down existing protein on your body (muscle) to get the needed levels of methionine. Most people in today's world walk around malnourished.
Finally, if you do increase your protein consumption (from any source), do increase your fiber consumption. It will ensure the excess protein will not stay in your intestines are rot there (leading you cancer and other illnesses).

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