Protein Basics
A "Guest Pose" article by Will Brink, courtesy of Nutros.com
These days, it seems like everyone is taking in more protein in some form or another — people who are transforming their physiques, weight-training athletes, those who are restricting their calories, people who are trying to gain weight, and vegetarians, to name a few.
Just walk around the local grocery store, and you'll likely find an assortment of protein-enriched cereals, protein shakes, and even "high"-protein oatmeal. Whether the type of protein being touted is soy, whey, casein, or milk... it's all about one thing: protein.
So what's all the hype about protein? Should you be consuming more? Why? What's the "best" type? And, how much is too much?
These are all excellent questions. And I'll do my best to reveal the answers. Hopefully, in the end, you'll have a clear-cut path to the basic ins and outs of protein... and why you might want to consider consuming more.
Protein Basics
Protein is used for the basics of life itself — the production of skin, hair, bones, and muscles. Proteins are used to manufacture hormones, enzymes, cellular messengers, nucleic acids, and immune-system components. Without adequate protein, our bodies can't put together the structures that make up every cell, tissue, and organ, nor can it generate the biochemical substances needed for cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, growth, and healing.
Protein for Performance
Take a peak through any of your favorite "muscle" magazines or listen in to the locker-room talk at your gym, and you're sure to find more than a casual mention of protein. And for good reason... here are just a few of the benefits of ingesting enough protein:
- - Encourage muscle recovery and growth from intense exercise by providing the body with an ample supply of amino acids — the building blocks of muscle.
- - Optimal production of IGF-1 — an important hormone for muscle growth and recovery (adequate calories are also required).
- - Allow optimal functioning of the immune system for a healthier, longer life span.
In recent years, scientists have studied protein's role in health and performance extensively. Additional discoveries are beginning to reveal which proteins are better for building a stronger, more muscular body, preventing disease, or other attractive benefits.
Regardless of your goals, protein should be regarded as a foundational nutrient of any nutrition program — it's an essential ingredient for achieving optimal progress in physique enhancement and performance. It's certainly no secret that any person (and that includes you!) who is generally active in sports and/or trains with weights or other resistance will benefit from getting enough protein.
