Eating to Survive - Protein macro-nutrient

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The main function of Protein is to aid in the growth and repair of the body. Aside from water, protein is the most abundant molecule in the body. Protein is found in all cells of the body and is the major structural component of all cells in the body, especially muscle. This also includes body organs, hair, and skin. Hormones and enzymes are also formed from amino acids in which help regulate metabolism, support the immune system and other body functions. Finally, protein is needed to form blood cells. Wikipedia 

Protein in the diet is obtained from foods from animals as well as foods from the legumes food group.

There are also other plant-based foods that are high in protein such as tofu and soy, and lentils that are used instead of animal protein. Almond, rice and soy milk are used mostly by vegetarians and other persons with intolerance and allergies to the usual high protein foods.  Wheat gluten is used as a form of plant protein, this is seasoned and cooked and can be very delicious. Carbohydrates are supposed to be our main source of energy, followed by protein, so we should be having much less protein than carbohydrates in a single meal.

Too much protein in the diet can cause illness. The body has to digest protein as it does to all the foods we eat however the end products of protein cause the usual balance that exists in our bodies to be disturbed if we consume too much protein that it can excrete in our urine. Our kidneys which undertake this task will be damaged if it is repeatedly overworked and stressed in carrying out this function. For this reason, a sustained high protein diet will result in kidney damage which can also lead to kidney failure.

Animal sources of protein usually have the added characteristic of having high-fat content, in comparison to plant-based sources of protein. However, animal sources of protein are more complete sources than their plant-based counterparts. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of both sources as plant-based sources of protein usually have the added benefit of providing fiber to the diet. Both sources together give a more complete source of the necessary amino acids needed in the diet.