Not only are these numbers surprising, but they indicate that most of our population is unaware of the reasons why our body needs protein.
Protein isn't only needed to bulk up your muscles or tone your body. It is actually one of the most essential elements of muscle development, bone density, muscle mass, and lean tissue—and this is just the start.
If your muscles are a home, then proteins are the bricks. So, let’s take a look at the role of protein in the body and some of the benefits of eating protein.
Why do you need a high protein diet?
1. Boosts Metabolism
Metabolism is the speed at which you can burn calories. People with high metabolism burn calories faster than people with low metabolism. A high protein intake is known to significantly boost metabolism.
2. Relief from Muscle Strains
A lack of protein in your diet can lead to a variety of health issues. This is why the role of protein in the body is integral to all our functions. If you experience pain in your muscles or frequently go through muscle strains, there's a chance you're not getting enough protein in your diet. Protein helps strengthen the muscles and keeps you from common muscle strains.
3. Reduces your Calorie Intake
Research shows that protein is by far the most filling of all of the three macronutrients. How does this help you? A regular intake of protein will stop you from snacking throught the day, and in turn reducing your daily calorie intake. This helps put your weight in check. It does this by reducing the level of your hunger hormone- ghrelin, while boosting the levels of peptide YY, the hormone responsible for making you feel full.
4. Helps Maintain Healthy Bones
The benefits of eating protein don’t just include helping you gain muscle, but they help you maintain better bone mass as you age, and decrease the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The recommended daily amount of protein can help you maintain muscle mass and strength.
This is crucial for your mobility, lowering your chance of suffering injuries from falls and one of the best ways to reduce age-related muscular degeneration and prevent sarcopenia.
Your guide to protein sources
Eating protein in proportionate amounts can help increase muscle mass and strength. Some high quality protein sources that you can incorporate into your diet include:
- Fish
- Poultry
- Lean meat
- Tofu
- Dairy products
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
- Grains
However, limit your intake of processed meats such as bacon, sausages and cold cuts. However, if you still find that you are not eating enough protein, there are other sources, such as protein bars, and protein powder. The benefits of protein bars are: convenient, nutritious, portable and they come in a variety of flavours.
The Whey91 protein bar is available with the perfect blend of flavour and nutritional value, providing you with 20g worth of protein which each 60g bar, helping you meet your daily protein intake. The bars also contain ‘lactoferrin’, commonly known as super-protein. Not only does lactoferrin promote bone health, but it also supports the health of your skin. It prevents viral and microbial attacks and stimulates your white blood cells to action. Did we forget to mention that it comes in a delicious choco-fudge flavour?
The bottom line
Because protein is the building block of our muscles and a source of fuel for the body, preventing muscle weakness and damage is critical. And it isn’t just your muscles that need protein, your whole body does, right from your tissues to your bones, and even your hair and skin.
So take those first steps to a protein rich diet by purchasing your very own box of Whey91 Protein Bars here. Happy guilt-free snacking!