Because of its ability to aid in the rapid recovery of the human body, protein is considered an extremely important nutrient.
Here are some more reasons why you need to improve your nutrient intake:
(1). Protein reduces hunger and appetite levels-
Of all macronutrients, protein is considered the most filling, even if you consume little food.
The macronutrient lowers the level of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) in the body while increasing the level of peptide YY, which further helps a person feel full.
So, if you want to lose weight, try to replace some of the carbs and fat in your diet with protein.
(2). Protein improves heart health-
High protein intake has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels.
It lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Apart from lowering blood pressure, it has been found that a protein-rich diet can also reduce the level of LDL (or bad cholesterol) in the body.
(3). Protein builds strong immune system-
With the help of antibodies, the body protects itself from many diseases.
These antibodies are specific protein types that have the ability to detect foreign substances or antigens.
The body produces antibodies to neutralize the antigen.
(4). Protein boosts metabolism-
Eating a meal can temporarily boost the body’s metabolism as the body uses calories to digest and utilize the nutrients in the food. This is known as the thermic effect of food.
One study suggested that a high protein group burned 260 calories per day compared to a low protein group.
(5). Protein improves bone strength-
Contrary to popular belief, most long-term studies show that protein can have major benefits for bone health. Consuming it in high amounts may help maintain better bone mass, as well as reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
This is especially true for those women, who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause. The best way to prevent this from happening is to eat plenty of protein-rich foods and stay active.
(6). Protein increases muscle mass and strength-
Protein is considered the building block of muscles. Adequate intake may help maintain muscle mass and promote growth during strength training.
If you’re physically active or trying to gain muscle, make sure you’re consuming enough protein.
Higher intakes may also help prevent muscle loss during weight loss.
(7). Weight loss maintenance-
While a high protein diet can help a person lose weight, the problem lies in maintaining one’s weight. Studies have shown that a small increase in protein intake can help maintain weight.
According to one such study, increasing the intake of nutrients from 15% to 18% of their calories helped reduce weight by 50%. A permanent increase in your protein intake can help keep off the extra weight.
(8). Protein boosts energy levels-
Protein also serves as a natural source of energy. Failure to consume a diet that provides the body with sufficient energy, as occurs during fasting or weight loss programs, will cause the body to use its own functional proteins to compensate.
Since there is no excess protein in the body, enzymes and muscles break down proteins to obtain amino acids to provide energy or to synthesize glucose. This will ensure a constant supply of glucose to the cells.
(9). Protein improves healthy skin-
Protein provides strength to tissues that suffer constant wear and tear, like skin.
Collagen is a fibrous protein found in abundance, which provides the necessary strength to these skin cells. Healthy & youthful skin and the reduction of wrinkles at that, largely depends on the level of collagen present in the body.
(10). Cell and Tissue Recovery-
Cells and tissues must go through constant renewal and recovery in order to maintain an overall healthy body. A constant supply of amino acids is necessary for building proteins. This protein builds new cells and tissues, such as hair, skin and nails.
Cells present in the skin, blood and digestive system begin to die after a few weeks. After this, the protein begins to build and fill in new, healthy cells to replace the dead cells.
