You're listening to Life Kit from NPR.
Hey, it's Marielle.
Today on the show, we're talking about protein.
You may know that we need it to stay alive and that it allows us to build and repair our muscle tissue,
but it does a lot more.
It also makes the enzymes your body uses to digest food.
It produces the antibodies that help your immune system fight off viruses and infection.
So proteins are really kind of workhorse molecules.
They're absolutely essential.
This is Alison Aubrey, a science and health correspondent at NPR.
She's been reporting on protein lately because protein, it seems, is having a moment.
In particular because Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Is a big proponent.
In fact, he says he personally only eats meat, fish, and fermented foods like yogurt.
Though I should say the federal government issued new dietary guidelines for Americans this year,
and they do recommend eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Back to the protein question, though.
Allison wanted to strip away the noise and give people a clear sense of how much protein they actually need a day.
Because the answer isn't exactly the same for everyone.
Your optimal protein intake depends on who you are.