Protein is hailed as the “it” nutrient in the fitness community.
And it is important.
But you don’t necessarily need to start chugging back protein shakes quite yet.
Let’s take a closer look at this popular nutrient!
What is Protein?
Protein is one of three macronutrients (Carbohydrates and fats are the other two). These macronutrients provide your body with calories. Calories provide the energy you need to keep on keeping on.
But that’s not the full story when it comes to protein.
In fact, the body prefers to use carbohydrates as fuel for the body anyway. Protein is frequently used as a building block. It makes up your hair and nails. It’s used to produce hormones, enzymes, and more.
The Benefits of Protein
Most women don’t eat enough protein. Yet, it has a ton of benefits, such as:
1. It’s Satiety
It makes you feel fuller, longer. How? It reduces the hunger hormone, ghrelin, in the body. It further increases the hormone that causes you to feel full. Consequently, it also decreases cravings!
2. It Helps Build Muscle and Other Tissue
The reason the fitness industry loves protein? It makes up your muscle tissue. Eating enough of this macronutrient ensures that you maintain or increase your muscle mass.
3. Protein May Boost Your Metabolism
Your body uses calories to breakdown the food you eat. To breakdown protein, the body uses more calories than it does to breakdown fat or carbohydrates. This is called the Thermal Effect of Food. It’s estimated that eating more protein may help you burn up to 100 more calories per day.
4. It Helps Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
Research has shown that eating adequate protein may help lower blood pressure levels, as well as reduce dangerously high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
5. Protein Helps the Body Repair and Restore
Protein is used to help repair the cells in the body. This is especially important after a tough workout or following an injury.
6. It’s Necessary For the Production of Hormones, Enzymes, and More
Protein doesn’t just aid in muscle and tissue repair. It also contributes to the production of various hormones and enzymes throughout the body.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Experts recommend eating 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For women, this averages at about 46 grams of protein a day.
And there are a variety of foods you can choose from! Delicious protein-filled food items include:
Eggs
Chicken
Almonds
Cottage Cheese
Oats
Greek Yogurt
Milk
Quinoa
And More
Make sure you get a sufficient amount of protein per day! Your body needs it. And there are a variety of options to choose from.
Become more conscious of what you put in your body. You are what you eat! And when you eat the right foods, you’ll feel your best and be able to bring your best.