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Did you know that every single cell of our human body is composed of protein?
All thanks to protein, we have well-defined structures in our bodies, thus the reason we refer to them as life’s building blocks. The macronutrients are everywhere; in our bones, cells, tendons, muscles, enzymes, blood, hormones, neurotransmitters, and other structures.
Proteins consist of amino acid chains. There are three categories of amino acids, namely, essential, nonessential, and conditional amino acids. Our bodies receive essential amino acids from the food we eat because they do not have the capacity to manufacture them. The body can manufacture nonessential amino acids from the essential amino acids supplied via food or during protein breakdown. Conditional amino acids are needed during certain conditions, such as adversity, stress, and illness.
Reasons Protein is Important for Our Overall Well-being
In addition to being the building blocks of life, protein has several other health benefits. Our daily protein requirements depend on various factors, including physical activity and the state of our bodies. The following are some of the reasons protein is fundamental to our overall well-being.
- Protein is responsible for the body’s self-repair following injury
Have you ever healed from an injury, bruise, or cut? Did you wonder how that bleeding stopped and a scar formed? Proteins are the essential building blocks in organs and tissues. When we are injured, protein helps our bodies repair and recover from such injuries. Different studies support this and add that, after injury, increasing our daily protein consumption can accelerate the recovery process.
- Promotes muscle mass and strength
Are you a strength trainer or a bodybuilder? Do you desire to have protruding muscles for an excellent pose in front of cameras? Proteins are the muscle mass and strength building blocks. Adequate protein consumption helps in maintaining muscle mass and promoting muscle growth. Trainers, weight lifters, and those desiring to gain muscles need to include enough protein quotients in their daily diets for the best results.
- Promotes bone healthy
Bones comprise 50% protein. Studies show that adequate protein consumption, balanced with calcium and plant foods, is beneficial for bone health, especially post-menopause and old age. Consuming more protein will help maintain bone mass and reduce the fracture and osteoporosis risks as we age.
- Boosts metabolism and increases fat burning
Reliable sources indicate that proteins have higher thermic effects than fats and carbohydrates. Higher protein consumption significantly boosts the rate of metabolism as well as burned calories. In a study to compare caloric burning between high and low-protein groups, the high-protein group burned 260 more calories than the low-protein group per day.
- Eating proteins helps lower blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the risks of chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Scientists and nutritionists, through controlled trials, have found an association between higher protein intake with lower blood pressure.
Other reasons why protein is essential for our overall well-being include:
- Reducing hunger levels and suppressing appetite.
- Minimizing food cravings and the desire for snacks, especially at night.
- Weight loss maintenance.
- Keeping healthy kidneys unharmed.
- Helping us remain fit as we age.
Each of our body’s cells consists of protein with chains of amino acids making its basic structure. Everyone, including kids, teens, and expectant women, needs protein for growth, development, repairing cells, and manufacturing new ones.
You may consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more on why protein is important for our overall health.
