Protein is a type of nutrient made of amino acids that the body uses to build and repair tissues, and to make enzymes and hormones.
From Greek *prōteios* 'primary, of the first rank', from *prōtos* 'first'. It was named in the 19th century to show how important this substance is in living things.
Protein literally means 'of first importance'—scientists named it like a VIP nutrient. Your muscles, hair, and many body chemicals are basically elaborate shapes built out of long protein chains.
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