When we hear the word “protein”, many of us visualize strong athletes, big tubs of protein powder, or main dishes consisting of chicken or steak. But, protein isso much more than a muscle-building nutrient; it plays various roles in all of our body systems, making it an essential nutrient and helping in keeping our body functioning optimally. Protein exists in what’s called a synthesis cycle, meaning that the body is constantly breaking down, using, and discarding the protein we get through our diet, making itthatmuch more important that we’re getting enough.