Protein is one of our body’s essential building blocks. It plays an essential role in most biological processes, which becomes coded in our genetics and forms the basic parts of the living tissue. Contrary to popular belief, protein is not just found in our muscles.
The macronutrient also helps catalyse important bodily functions, transport molecules, enzymes, and hemoglobin. It also keeps our immune system in optimum condition. Our muscle structure also requires a certain nutrient level to maintain mass and promote growth during strength training.
It is the reason why a lot of bodybuilders and athletes consume protein powders. Saturated with different brands of protein powder, the market becomes a daunting experience to shop for one.
Protein Functions and How Protein Powder Helps
Protein is made up of smaller units known as amino acid. There are nine essential amino acids and 11 non-essential ones. Our body needs to have a regular supply of all 20 amino acid to perform functions and promote overall health.
Amino acid synthesis is triggered by the supply of essential and non-essential protein components. For example, you need to have enough phenylalanine amino acid to create tyrosine. Tyrosine is also a form of amino acid responsible for nerve cell communications promoting alertness, focus, and attention.
Protein also has a critical role in fueling our body’s energy supply through the process of glucose conversion. When the body has a little reserve of carbohydrates and fat, protein becomes an energy source. Additionally, protein powders help our body continue the process of anabolism and catabolism, the growth and breakdown of our cells.
On the other hand, protein powders have a critical role in supplying our bodies with the right amino acid levels. These supplements are more commonly known in the health and fitness industry. Consuming protein powder helps promote cellular growth and muscle regeneration.
How Much Protein Does Our Body Need?
According to the World Health Organization, the recommended daily allowance is .066 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. So generally, people at the prime of their health needs to get at least 10-15% calories from their protein consumption. It is also the same for those who are leading an active lifestyle.
Science indicates that most people have the supply of protein they need in a day. The study involved comparing vegans and non-vegans and their nutrient intake. And it found that vegans get about 70-plus grams or 70% more while the meat-eating population get almost 80 grams in a meal.
You can be a vegan or a meat-eater, your body has the supply it needs to perform most of the bodily functions. The only consideration it found was among those with calorie deficiency and those who want to achieve better muscle mass.
Consuming protein supplements help drive better bodily functions, increases muscle mass, and maintain your gains. Athletes also benefit from a steady supply of protein because it enhances their performance.
Protein is an essential need for people who are active and requires quality supplementation. If you are lactose intolerant or constantly suffer from allergies because of whey protein, opting for plant-based protein sources helps to get rid of your conditions. Vegan protein is generally sourced from lentils, legumes, rice, and beans and does not contain hormones often present in animal-based protein powder.
