You don’t have to be a bodybuilder to appreciate the big benefits of a high protein diet. While it’s true that protein is great for bulking up, it’s also useful in many other ways. Read on to learn 5 reasons you may want to try a high-protein diet.
Proteins are fundamental biomolecules responsible for vital biological functions in cells and tissues, without which life cannot be sustained. They are comprised of a set of 20 different amino acids linked in a specific sequence determined by genetic code that forms to create a polypeptide chain. These chains then fold in on themselves to form distinct proteins, each serving various functions in the body.
Enzymatic proteins, for example, work to break down larger molecules into smaller ones and also to build larger molecules from smaller ones, while cellular proteins serve as the building blocks of structures and tissues like collagen — a fibrous protein that supports tendons and bones and skin.
Our bodies produce many proteins internally, but there are certain essential amino acids that we cannot synthesize which must be provided by the protein we consume in our diets. Without enough dietary protein, we would become depleted of amino acids needed for critical processes. Protein deficiency can lead to muscle wasting, impaired immune function, and other serious health concerns.
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Fortunately, the near-endless variety of dietary proteins available to us means that no one needs to suffer. From animal-based proteins like poultry, fish, beef, pork, and dairy products like milk and cheese, yogurt, and whey – to plant-sourced proteins like nuts, seeds, legumes, quinoa, and soy-based tempeh and tofu… protein is abundantly available.
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Bolster Your Body with a High Protein Diet: 5 Big Benefits of Beefing Up is an original (HealthXWire) article.
Enough about the science, let’s talk about the culture
The discussion of protein’s importance to our health made the leap from scientific circles into popular culture in the 1970s when Dr. Herman Tarnower created the Scarsdale Diet – a high-protein, low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet that emphasized portion control and strict adherence to specific food categories. After that, it was on to other protein-centered plans like the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Dukan Diet, and the Paleo Diet, all of which vary slightly, but emphasize protein as the key to better musculature, improved athletic performance, and better overall health.
Protein-centered diets are common among professional bodybuilders and high-profile athletes because the diets help to keep them in peak condition to meet the extreme demands their careers place on their bodies. But you don’t need to be a professional athlete to reap the benefits a high-protein diet has to offer, and you don’t need to be on the bodybuilding circuit or follow strict food protocols to enjoy the many rewards of adding protein to your diet.
If you build it, they will come:
The bond between protein and muscle
Most of us don’t score touchdowns for a living, and pitching a no-hitter isn’t on the bucket list for the average American. But a lean, muscular physique is something most of us aspire to, or can at least admire in others. When we consume protein-rich foods or supplements, our bodies break down the proteins into amino acids which then enter the bloodstream where they are transported to various tissues in the body, including muscles.
Once inside the muscle cells, amino acids become building blocks that repair and create new proteins essential for muscle growth and repair through a process called muscle protein synthesis. This repetitive process of building and repairing leads to slightly larger and stronger muscle fibers that are better able to withstand the continued stress of exercise and everyday activity.
If you build it, they will leave:
Protein and the depletion of fat cells
Just as protein works to repair and build muscle mass in our bodies, it can simultaneously lead to fat loss. For those of us hoping to lose weight, upping our protein intake can help us hold onto and build muscle and direct our bodies to burn fat stores, rather than muscle, for energy.
Avoiding extremes:
Protein and blood sugar regulation
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low. This condition is accompanied by dizziness, confusion, weakness, and sweating.
Persistent high blood sugar levels, on the other hand, can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, which is a precursor to the chronic metabolic disorder known as type 2 diabetes. If full-blown diabetes develops, many other negative outcomes, such as damaged blood vessels, neuropathy, vision loss, and serious cardiovascular issues can result.
Protein stabilizes both the highs and lows by slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This is beneficial not only for those with or at risk for type 2 diabetes but for anyone wanting to prevent energy spikes and crashes throughout the day and the dips in focus and productivity that accompany them.
Bolster Your Body with a High Protein Diet: 5 Big Benefits of Beefing Up is the (HealthXWire) report.
No drama, no controversy:
Protein that is safe, nutritious, and abundant
While protein deficiency is rare in our culture, many of us rely too heavily on sources such as beef and pork, which are often high in saturated fats. In large quantities, these can be detrimental to heart health. Fortunately, the wide array of protein-rich foods and supplements available that don’t contain these saturated fats means that a healthy diet is within reach for almost anyone.
Convenience is king:
Protein supplements are a safe and convenient option.
Though protein’s importance is understood, many of us still struggle to find time to plan, shop for, and prepare healthy, protein-dense recipes. Some of us even have limited access to whole food sources of protein. Add to these issues the need to count out and calculate macronutrients on a daily basis, and many of us may give up on the process entirely.
Protein supplements are the solution you’ve been waiting for.
From powders to bars to pre-mixed shakes, protein supplements provide a concentrated amount of healthy, nutrient-dense protein and require little to no preparation to meet your daily requirements.
A delicious supplement makes consistency easy
Once you realize there’s an easier way to get your required daily intake of protein, the next step is to find a reputable brand.
Healthy Truth is a brand recognized as one of the best sources for organic protein products that are safe, nutritious – and perhaps, most importantly, where consistency is key – delicious.
As founder and chief creative officer, Bruce Nameson explains, “If healthy food tastes good, there’s no going back to junk food.”
Namenson, who began by selling dishes to East Coast yoga studios, but whose business really took off with the creation of a pizza nut cluster snack he developed in his own kitchen, personally creates all of Healthy Truth’s products, which range from protein powders like Go Pro protein powders to somewhat unexpected yet equally delicious snacks like the aforementioned pizza nut clusters and salt and vinegar almonds.
All Healthy Truth products are meat and dairy-free, making them a healthy alternative available for anyone to enjoy. This wide access is important to Namenson, who adds that in addition to his protein-rich diet, “I haven’t had meat or dairy in almost 38 years…and the way I feel, I just want to impart it to everyone else.”
Whether your goal is to run a marathon or simply to improve your overall health, consistently adding more protein to your diet will lead to numerous health benefits, including increased muscle mass, improved metabolism, better blood sugar management, and a healthier heart. Best of all, these benefits are available to people from all walks of life who are dealing with any number of dietary restrictions and limitations.
Further reading:
4 Ways Protein Can Help You Shed Pounds
How to Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
Important Note: The information contained in this article (Bolster Your Body with a High Protein Diet: 5 Big Benefits of Beefing Up) is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your health care professional to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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