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Protein is an essential nutrient found in animal products, nuts, and beans. The name protein name comes from the Greek word protos, which means âfirst.â Your body uses proteins in your diet to build new cells, maintain tissues, and synthesize new proteins that make it possible for you to perform basic bodily functions.
Photo Credit Kondor83/iStock/Getty Images. You need protein for repairing damage to your body and for proper growth and development, but before your body can use the protein you get from your diet, it needs to absorb it. For this to happen, the protein needs to be broken down during digestion.