In addition to its muscle building properties, protein is needed:
To keep a balanced PH level in the blood.
For muscle tissue preservation during dieting or cuts.
As an energy source when there are no carbohydrates available.
To build and maintain proper hormone levels.
For necessary chemical reactions to take place.
To keep the body’s immune system functioning properly.
For proper regulation of the body’s fluid balance.
Protein and Muscle Growth
Increasing your daily protein intake while on a resistance training program helps to increase lean muscle mass. The human body is in a constant state of “protein turnover.” Muscle tissue is continuously being repaired and replaced. To maximize this repair, you must maintain a protein positive nitrogen balance.
When you under eat protein, you confuse your body. It only has so many raw materials to work with, and can’t repair everything it needs to repair. In this scenario, muscle can be lost. In addition, other vital bodily functions are compromised, such as hormone regulation and blood PH balance.
When you are involved with an intense weight training regimen, more muscle tissue then normal is in need of repair. This is the reason why weightlifters and bodybuilders need more protein. Muscle growth is more taxing on the body’s nitrogen balance then muscle maintenance.
Frequent protein feedings insure a steady stream of amino acids, and help maintain a proper nitrogen balance.
Protein and Fat Loss
Protein foods are very thermogenic. Simply put, it requires more energy to digest protein. The human body has to work 30% harder to digest protein foods then it does to digest and process carbs and fats. For this reason, a high protein diet boosts your metabolism and aids in fat loss.
Proper protein intake is also required for the body to properly mobilize stored fat for energy. If you under eat protein, your body will have a harder time drawing on fat stores, and may cannibalize muscle tissue for energy. This is one of the reasons why low protein diets can make you feel weak and tired.
Protein and Recovery
Protein plays a vital role in muscle recovery and workout “rebound.” When you workout, two things happen:
Your muscles are depleted of glycogen.
Your muscles are damaged, and are in need of repair.
A steady stream of protein insures a proper nitrogen balance. And a positive nitrogen balance allows your body to be in “muscle repair mode”. The faster your muscles repair, the faster you recover. Conversely, undereating protein foods creates a negative nitrogen balance. In this state, it will take longer to recover.
Extra protein is essential, especially for athletes who have frequent workouts, or for athletes who are cutting fat.
Protein Food Sources
Typical protein food sources include: eggs, cheese, milk, chicken, seafood, fish, poultry, beef, pork, lamb, veal, soy, nuts and legumes. Small amounts of protein can also be found in fatty and starchy foods. Because protein levels in these foods are minimal, they are generally “ignored” by bodybuilders and athletes when a protein diet is structured.
Protein food sources are divided into two categories: complete and incomplete protein foods.
A complete protein food contains all essential amino acids. Animal proteins (meat) are complete protein sources. Incomplete protein foods, such as vegetables, lack several essential amino acids. These lacking amino acids vary from food source to food source.
Protein supplement foods have grown in popularity over the last 30 years because of several factors. They are convenient, and require no cooking time. Protein supplements are also cost effective, and can provide an average serving cost far below that of beef, seafood and even chicken.
To keep a balanced PH level in the blood.
For muscle tissue preservation during dieting or cuts.
As an energy source when there are no carbohydrates available.
To build and maintain proper hormone levels.
For necessary chemical reactions to take place.
To keep the body’s immune system functioning properly.
For proper regulation of the body’s fluid balance.
Protein and Muscle Growth
Increasing your daily protein intake while on a resistance training program helps to increase lean muscle mass. The human body is in a constant state of “protein turnover.” Muscle tissue is continuously being repaired and replaced. To maximize this repair, you must maintain a protein positive nitrogen balance.
When you under eat protein, you confuse your body. It only has so many raw materials to work with, and can’t repair everything it needs to repair. In this scenario, muscle can be lost. In addition, other vital bodily functions are compromised, such as hormone regulation and blood PH balance.
When you are involved with an intense weight training regimen, more muscle tissue then normal is in need of repair. This is the reason why weightlifters and bodybuilders need more protein. Muscle growth is more taxing on the body’s nitrogen balance then muscle maintenance.
Frequent protein feedings insure a steady stream of amino acids, and help maintain a proper nitrogen balance.
Protein and Fat Loss
Protein foods are very thermogenic. Simply put, it requires more energy to digest protein. The human body has to work 30% harder to digest protein foods then it does to digest and process carbs and fats. For this reason, a high protein diet boosts your metabolism and aids in fat loss.
Proper protein intake is also required for the body to properly mobilize stored fat for energy. If you under eat protein, your body will have a harder time drawing on fat stores, and may cannibalize muscle tissue for energy. This is one of the reasons why low protein diets can make you feel weak and tired.
Protein and Recovery
Protein plays a vital role in muscle recovery and workout “rebound.” When you workout, two things happen:
Your muscles are depleted of glycogen.
Your muscles are damaged, and are in need of repair.
A steady stream of protein insures a proper nitrogen balance. And a positive nitrogen balance allows your body to be in “muscle repair mode”. The faster your muscles repair, the faster you recover. Conversely, undereating protein foods creates a negative nitrogen balance. In this state, it will take longer to recover.
Extra protein is essential, especially for athletes who have frequent workouts, or for athletes who are cutting fat.
Protein Food Sources
Typical protein food sources include: eggs, cheese, milk, chicken, seafood, fish, poultry, beef, pork, lamb, veal, soy, nuts and legumes. Small amounts of protein can also be found in fatty and starchy foods. Because protein levels in these foods are minimal, they are generally “ignored” by bodybuilders and athletes when a protein diet is structured.
Protein food sources are divided into two categories: complete and incomplete protein foods.
A complete protein food contains all essential amino acids. Animal proteins (meat) are complete protein sources. Incomplete protein foods, such as vegetables, lack several essential amino acids. These lacking amino acids vary from food source to food source.
Protein supplement foods have grown in popularity over the last 30 years because of several factors. They are convenient, and require no cooking time. Protein supplements are also cost effective, and can provide an average serving cost far below that of beef, seafood and even chicken.
What is protein and why is it important?
Protein is one of three macro-nutrients used by the body for energy. These macro-nutrients include protein, carbs and fats. Scientifically, protein is a series of amino acids linked together like a chain.
