Any regular gym member or health nut can tell you that your body needs protein. But many people do not consider the extent of protein importance in a healthy diet, and the effects that protein has on your body in terms of overall health.
Protein consists of amino acid chains that help your body stay healthy, while repairing muscle and bone tissues in our bodies. It also has a vital role in proper growth and maintaining a productive brain processes.
Protein aids the repairing process of hard worked muscles, tissue and bone. Because of this benefit it is necessary to add protein after any intense activity, including hard workouts in the gym.
Being one of the three macro-nutrients the body requires to survive, along with the very important fats and carbohydrates, protein should be made a main part of anyone’s diet.
Although many associate it only with muscle building, the benefits of protein go far beyond bulking up. Unfortunately, many individuals do not consume the recommended amounts of it.
5 health benefits of consuming more protein
1. Protein contributes to brain health, improves blood sugar levels and even protects against age-related cognitive decline. Protein helps to repair your body and assists in slowing down the aging process in the brain.
2. Protein may help in decreasing high blood pressure. Epidemiological studies suggest that consuming protein from a variety sources, especially plant protein, can reduce blood pressure.
3. The immune system is a vital part of staying fit. A strong immune system means faster recovery and a more resistant body to viruses and bacteria. Protein helps in boosting the immune system, with help coming from glutamine and arginine which are two amino acids that help your body heal faster, and prevent colds and flu to occur in the first place.
4. Researchers found out that whey protein has the ability to increase the natural production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant known to protect DNA and trigger the production human growth hormone or HGH.
HGH is one of the most important hormones the human body produces, as it controls building, repair and healing of muscle tissues, bones as well as many other cells in our body.
As you can see protein should be a major part of everyone’s diet. The reasons for adding a healthy amount of protein to your diet could vary among the many attributes it obtains.
Whether protein is ingested through supplements or food, it is important to note that it is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
Sources:
* Field, CJ, I. Johnson, and VC Pratt. “Glutamine and arginine: immunonutrients for improved health.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 July 2000. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
*Appel, LJ. “The effects of protein intake on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.”National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Feb. 2003. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
*Kent, KD, WJ Harper, and JA Bomser. “Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione and oxidant-induced cell death in human prostate epithelial cells.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Department of Food Science and Technology, 17 Feb. 2003. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
* Komninou, Despina; Leutzinger, Yvonne; Reddy, Bandaru S.; Richie Jr., John P. (2006). “Methionine Restriction Inhibits Colon Carcinogenesis”. Nutrition and Cancer 54 (2): 202-8.
