Women's Health
Building blocks
Women's protein needs change at different stages of life. Are you getting enough?
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Dietitian Nancy Oliveira has noticed a theme among midlife women who are distressed at having gained weight: they blame menopause. But while hormone shifts may play a small role, Oliveira points out a surprising contributor to these women's weight woes — they often aren't prioritizing protein in their diets.
Since protein is at the heart of muscle growth and maintenance, skimping on this powerhouse nutrient can sabotage women's well-being. Indeed, every bodily function relies on protein, from building muscle and bone to producing blood, digesting food, and fighting off infections.
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About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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