9. How does protein help my body when I am recovering from being unwell?

Protein is made up of 20 building blocks called amino acids, although some are amino acids made by the body it is essential to get others from your diet. Protein helps build, maintain and repair muscle, skin, and other body tissues such as bone. It is also a source of dietary energy for the body and can be found in both animal and plant food. A protein deficiency can negatively impact your immunity and your ability to recovery from an illness.1