Increases Muscle Mass: The importance of protein in the body can be linked to increased muscle mass. It helps you maintain your muscle mass and also encourages muscular development during strength training. Hence, bodybuilders and weightlifters are advised to take the optimum amount of protein that aids them in their muscle growth journey. Consuming sufficient amounts of protein also prevents muscle loss during weight reduction.
Recovers the Body Post-Injury: Since protein is the major building block of muscles and tissues, eating the right amount of protein can have a major effect on healing. Athletes are recommended to eat enough protein to recover from injuries.
Reduces Hunger: A high-protein diet helps us feel fuller and less hungry. Our body makes more satiety hormones such as cholecystokinin and peptide YY, which gives signals of a full belly. Protein can also help us feel less hungry in between meals, which reduces our intake of junk food and calories.
Digestion: Most of the enzymes in our body are made of proteins. Having sufficient amounts of proteins aid in producing enzymes that help in digestion.
Improves Bone Health: Our body needs the appropriate amount of nutrients to function smoothly. Consuming these essential nutrients promotes bone health which prevents age-old bone diseases like osteoporosis. Thus, one should improve their protein intake to match their body's needs & functions.
Improves Metabolism and Reduces Fat Storage: Protein is one of the most thermogenic nutrients, which translates to burning more calories compared to fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, consuming more protein increases metabolism. When accompanied by a proper diet, this can result in fat loss.
Reduces high blood pressure: Studies suggest that eating protein aids in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. It improves our health by safeguarding us against heart attacks, strokes, and renal ailments. Hence, people suffering from blood pressure issues are advised to increase their protein consumption.
Helps Maintain Weight Loss: As we have seen, that protein boosts metabolism and leads to a reduction in calorie intake. It also helps preserve our muscles during dieting and increases satiety. Thus, it is a major component of weight reduction.
Helps You Stay Fit as You Age: Apart from regulating muscle mass and bone density, proteins are also responsible for maintaining a healthy immune system, metabolism, and brain function. With low levels of protein, one might experience weight changes, slower metabolic rate, and fatigue. Therefore, consuming the right amount of proteins is essential to stay fit as you age.