According to both science and anecdote, protein is an essential nutrient that every human needs to take daily. And if you lead an active lifestyle, this nutrient becomes even more important. All people who exercise know that protein is important but why is it necessary for the body’s healthy functioning?
Proteins are constructed from amino acids, and together they fit like building blocks to make up human organs, skin, tissues, bones, and muscles. Our body has an amazing ability to take protein and break it into individual amino acids and then use them to make muscles and perform various processes in the organism. Since protein has such an important role in the human body, it’s essential to consume a healthy amount, otherwise, the body will have to reach into muscles, break them down, gather amino acids, and use them for various processes. The importance of protein is huge and here are a few main reasons why you need to add protein supplements to your training routine:
Protein boosts metabolism
Having a healthy metabolism is crucial for great athletic performance and healthy weight maintenance, and protein can help here drastically. Protein can aid in calorie expenditure and body composition change. When eaten throughout the day, protein can help you lose weight and maintain muscle mass.
It helps with muscle growth
There’s no other element as crucial for muscle growth as protein. Many professional athletes as well as people just working out for recreation choose to add protein powder to their diet to prepare for strength training. And according to research, taking protein supplementation for muscle growth and energy is completely legit. If you choose a high-quality protein powder, you can expect improvement in muscle size and body strength while performing resistance exercises. And many protein powders today are enriched with all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and fat burners that can additionally boost health benefits and help with their desired body composition. And the best news is that protein-powered can be taken no matter the age and sex, so it’s available to every active person in training.
It improves post-workout recovery
While allowing your muscles to grow, protein from powders can boost muscle repair and tissue damage. In many cases, athletes use protein powder supplements to prevent or improve muscle soreness recovery after heavy workouts.
Protein helps with hunger
After eating a meal, we feel full and satisfied. This feeling of satiety curbs cravings and minimizes the desire to eat. Some foods have the ability to keep that beneficial feeling alive for longer, especially those foods full of macronutrients (fats, carbs and protein). Of all the macros, protein is the most filling, so people often choose to supply their diet with protein powder drinks to help with hunger. If you’re trying to eat fewer calories and lose weight, protein will help you minimize unnecessary snacking yet keep you full of energy. When combined with exercise and a clean diet with plenty of protein, adding protein powders to your diet will help you reach your goals faster and easier.
Protein helps with heart health
Proper heart health is crucial for athletic performance. The heart keeps the body supplied with fresh blood and muscles with plenty of oxygen necessary for power. Heart health closely depends on cholesterol and other blood lipids, and according to research, protein powder has a few cholesterol-lowering benefits. A 2010 study found that protein powder supplementation, mainly whey protein, causes a drop in low-density lipoprotein (the most worrisome cholesterol type). Also, people with high blood pressure can benefit from protein powders and make their workouts safer and more comfortable.
Protein boosts natural growth
If you prefer late evening workouts, don’t hesitate to prepare and consume a protein powder drink after your workout and before bed. Protein shakes can help you have a more effective sleep for your muscle growth by boosting the natural levels of growth hormones. Additionally, amino acids from these drinks are helpful with healing and repair that happens while the body is asleep, as well as ensuring you have a healthy metabolism. If you have a sensitive stomach and might not want to upset it before bed, try finding protein powders that are low in sugar, plant-based, lactose-free, and contain no artificial flavoring—these might not taste as great but are known to be easier for the stomach.
Bottom line
Many people can benefit from adding protein powders to their diet, especially people who train hard and want to lose weight and reach their fitness goals. Since protein powders are a great source of complete protein as well as other nutrients, they should find their way to every active person.
Before taking protein powders, consider a few things first. Mainly, not everyone needs extra protein. If you’re eating a diet full of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy and don’t do any exercising or intense training, you probably don’t need protein powder drinks. Also, when choosing your protein powder, do some research and order from respectable sources. Only high-quality products will help you reach your desired goals.
