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[W794]Why You Need Protein

by Rebecca Prescott, Reb

Protein is an important nutrient that performs a number of functions in the body. Protein molecules are long chains that are made up of amino acids, and are important in aiding the well being and functioning of the body. Amongst the functions performed by proteins are the building and repair of the body, muscle growth, aiding the production of hemoglobin, and forming antibodies to fight off disease and infection.

The truth is that it isn't difficult to get the necessary amount of protein that your body needs each day from a sensible and well balanced diet. However, in today's fast paced world filled with fast foods and microwave meals many people end up taking in reduced levels of good quality protein and levels of refined carbohydrates that are a bit too high.

Protein is a nutrient that is found in a range of foods, such as cheese, nuts, dairy products, fish, eggs, and meat. Those that eat meat may be able to step up the amount of protein that they consume by planning their diet more sensibly. Vegetarians may find this more difficult because they do not eat meat. Vegans will really struggle, as they don't eat meat, fish, or dairy products. And in some cases, such as with body builders and fitness enthusiasts, higher levels of protein may be required in the diet.

Supplement your protein intake

This is where protein supplements may be able to help. For those that are unable to arrange their diet so that they are taking in enough good quality protein, these supplements can provide a valuable solution. Whether you are someone that needs a higher intake of proteins, or whether your diet means that you simply do not get adequate levels of protein and you wish to increase this to the recommended daily amount, protein supplements could prove an effective way to do this.

They can also be useful for people who wish to increase specific amino acids only. For example, lysine is a protein supplement that is used for treating the herpes virus. And there are specific protein combinations sold as fat burners. Those people following diets such as the Zone diet often use specially made protein bars that reflect the dietary principles of that diet. Zone diet bars typically have 30% protein and 30% fat, and the remainder in carbohydrates.

Protein powders, bars, and drinks that are available on the market today offer a convenient way for bodybuilders to increase their lean protein intake, and for many, they represent a quick, nutritious snack. For those that get little to no protein in their diets, or who have a legitimate reason to increase their protein intake, this can prove an effective way to come closer to reaching their daily protein goals.

However, for those that already get plenty of protein in their diets, it is worth remembering that an excessive amount of protein in the diet can result in calcium loss through urine and in dehydration, as the body works to try and eliminate the excess. When using protein supplements, it is therefore important to be sensible and not to overdo it. Any excess nutrients, whether they are fat, carbohydrate, or protein, will be turned into fat and stored in the body. Thus, for people trying to lose weight, it's doubly important to consider the overall calorie value of the protein bars and supplemental drinks they consume.

1. Protein is essential for muscle development as well as being a source of 22 amino acids which are necessary for the production of enzymes and hormones in the body.

2. How much protein you do need every day?
The Institute of Medicine of the National Institute of Science has concluded that daily protein intake should be 10-35% of our total calorie intake. Men need more protein than women. So, if you are dieting, then forget the lettuce leaf and celery stick diets! Get your daily protein intake!

3. Protein has a major impact on our level of hunger. If you don't get enough protein in a meal, you will be hungry again soon; even if it contained thousands of calories. Did you realize that the number one reason people failed at dieting was because they got hungry? Makes sense really. If you are hungry, then you are more likely to eat the first snack you come across which is likely to be one of those high calorie junk food items! If you maintain good protein intake during the day, you just won't feel hungry and are less likely to cheat!

4. Muscle Mass. By increasing the protein levels in your diet, you are also helping to build muscle mass which in turn raises your "resting metabolic rate" - that is the number of calories your body burns even when you are sleeping. This helps the Calories Eaten vs. Calories burnt ratio without increasing your exercise! So you can either eat more calories during the day and still maintain your weight, or it can help burn fat so you lose weight faster if you are dieting.

5. Good Protein vs Bad Protein? Protein from animal sources (meats, dairy, eggs) typically contains high levels of saturated fats which are both high in calories as well as being the "bad fats". Eating white meat (poultry, not pork) and deep sea oily fish are good, but by far the "best" are the vegetable proteins. The most plentiful and probably the best is Soy protein.

5. A Balanced Diet
Completely removing non-protein foods from your diet is not good either; you do need to eat a balanced diet that contains all the other nutrients your body needs. For weight loss (fat burning), you should be eating a daily calorie intake approx 500 calories less than your RMR (Resting Metabolic rate). Have a Colorful meal containing fruit and vegetables from all the "color groups" except White. White foods are typically the high energy starchy foods like wheat flour, rice, pasta, corn etc. Make sure you have enough whole grains, and nuts as well. An important note is that simply adding Cocoa powder to a White food - like wheat flour, to make it chocolate colored and flavored does NOT mean it is safe to eat!

6. Don't over do it!
There is some evidence amongst athletes that having too much animal based protein can cause problems in people pre-disposed to certain medical conditions relating to kidney and liver function. Typical commercial bodybuilding protein supplements are 90%+ whey based. Another reason to concentrate on protein supplement systems that are primarily soy based!

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About Author

Both Rebecca Prescott & Dhamza are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Rebecca Prescott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Yoga Practice and Woman Menopause. Learn more about supplements here, or the. Rebecca Prescott's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.

Dhamza has sinced written about articles on various topics from Psychology, Communications and Psychology. Hamza is committed to promoting health and wellness. Want to know the truth about protein rich foods? Find out more at . Dhamza's top article generates over 1830000 views. to your Favourites.