Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies that keep our bodies functioning optimally. But beyond these basic functions, what are the proven health and performance benefits we gain by consuming adequate protein daily?
Does extra protein really help build more muscle or aid weight loss? In this article How does protein benefit us, we’ll dive into the science-backed ways protein benefits everything from your metabolism and vital organs to your immunity, energy, skin, and more. You’ll learn exactly how this crucial macronutrient powers you from the inside out. Let’s uncover protein’s health superpowers!
Table of Contents
How Does Protein Benefit Us In Daily Life
To begin with, protein is a necessary component of any diet. Since the body doesn’t store excess protein, it won’t be available when it’s needed, so it’s important to consume it on a regular basis. Protein is essential for the basic function of every cell in your body, as well as for life itself. But, aside from the fact that you’ll be KEPT ALIVE, what are the advantages/benefits of eating protein daily, and particularly a high-protein diet?
#1 Weight loss (From fewer calories consumed overall)
Protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which means you’ll eat fewer calories and you won’t be hungry as soon after you eat. In one study, overweight women accidentally ate 441 fewer calories per day by raising protein intake from 15% to 30%.
In overweight men, a high-protein diet versus a low-protein diet has been shown to significantly minimize obsessive food thoughts and late-night snacking. For many people who are suffering from cravings, overeating, or food addictions, the best protein powder is an answer. A high-quality protein powder can not only help you lose weight, but it can also help you from gaining weight in the first place.
#2 More Sustained Energy
Protein takes longer than carbohydrates to break down in the body. Consumption of carbohydrates causes an increase in blood sugar levels. You could feel a burst of energy followed by a crash (can you say sugar rush?)
This is not the case for protein. Since your insulin levels remain steady while you eat protein, your body’s glucose is released more slowly from the bloodstream, the energy you get from protein lasts longer. Proteins, unlike carbohydrates, do not trigger a spike in blood sugar, so you will not feel the roller coaster crash and burn.
If you want to have consistent, long-lasting energy during the day, then a high-protein breakfast and integrate protein into each meal and snack will surely benefit you.
#3 Better Skin
Protein is a necessary component of the skin’s structure. As a result, it’s important for the glowing, youthful skin that so many of us desire. Weak and tired-looking skin is one of the telltale signs of protein deficiency (cellulite, flaky skin, red skin, and skin swelling are others!).
So, if you want plump, radiant skin, eating protein especially proteins with other skin benefits like salmon is a good idea.
#4 Better Nails
Another warning that you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet is brittle nails that are always breaking or nails that aren’t developing as fast as they should be. I found that eliminating dairy from my diet after consuming Greek yoghurt every day for many months had caused my nails to deteriorate I could tell the difference in how thin they were. My nails began to grow again after I returned to a high-protein diet.
#5 Better hair
Protein is essential for all parts of your body, and it’s great for skin, but it’s even better for hair and nails, which are mainly made of protein. If your hair is thinning or dull, it may be a sign that you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet.
#6 Better Workouts
Muscle strength also aids in other forms of fitness, such as cardio. For example, the stronger you are, the quicker and longer you can run, which is another reason protein is beneficial for weight loss and fitness.
#7 Faster Recovery From Injuries and Illness
After an injury, eating a lot of protein will help the body replenish the nutrients it needs for tissue and organ development. As a result, the recovery time from an injury can be significantly reduced, allowing you to return to the gym and your life sooner.
Low protein diets also result in a lowered immune response and a rise in the incidence of infections. So, if you get sick, make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet so that your body can heal properly.
#8 Better Sleep
Protein may provide a great, clean energy boost, so this might seem counterintuitive. However, one study from 2016 tracked overweight people on either a low-protein or high-protein diet. The greater the amount of protein consumed, the better the subjects’ GSS (global sleep score), both in the short term and over time.
#9 Better Focus
Headaches and exhaustion will make it difficult to concentrate. However, sugar crashes caused by a high-carb diet can cause you to experience this. Eating more protein, on the other hand, will benefit you to avoid the midday slump and, as a result, keep you focused on the task at hand while avoiding other symptoms.
#10 Stronger Bones
A high-protein diet can help with bone health by enhancing calcium retention and absorption.
#11 Strong Tendons
Since protein makes up the majority of your body’s tendons and ligaments, it’s important to consume enough protein to support body structures.
#12 Better Mood
Did someone else’s mother tell them that when they screamed, they needed to eat more protein? Is it just me? Okay, that’s fine. However, it appears that consuming protein is linked to feeling better emotionally. This may be because tryptophan, one of the amino acids found in whey protein, increases your mood and can help ease depressive symptoms.
#13 Anti-aging Benefits
You lose muscle mass as you get older. A high-protein diet can help seniors maintain some of their muscle mass. It also aids in the prevention of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
These advantages can also assist people if they continue to exercise into their later years, which has a variety of health benefits.
#14 Weight Loss (From calories burning)
Protein also has a beneficial effect on the metabolism, allowing your body to burn calories more rapidly. Protein has a higher thermic effect (the number of calories needed to digest food and extract nutrients) than fat or carbohydrates.
All of this adds up to fewer calories in and more calories out when you eat a high-protein diet. And if you eat a high-protein diet, you eat a lot of protein in comparison to carbs and fats. In contrast to a high-carb diet, you’re eating fewer sugars and starches, which can lead to weight gain.
Conclusion
From building and repairing muscle to supporting strong bones, a healthy heart, enhanced immunity and overall vitality, we hope this article on How does protein benefit us has showcased all the essential ways protein truly benefits us. By consuming adequate protein from lean sources along with a balanced diet and exercise, you can optimize muscle growth, metabolism, weight management and inner health. Understanding the diverse and far-reaching benefits of protein empowers you to take charge of your nutrition and wellbeing. Let us know if you have any other questions on the many perks protein provides! Wishing you good health as you nourish your body with this powerhouse nutrient.