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The Benefits of Protein: How Does It Support Our Health?

2 days ago2 min read

Protein is essential for overall health because it's involved in so many vital processes in the body. Here's a breakdown of why it's so important:

1. Building Blocks for Growth and Repair

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles, tissues, and organs. Whenever you get a cut, suffer muscle damage (from exercise or strain), or need to grow, your body uses protein to repair and rebuild. Without enough protein, this process can be compromised, leading to slower recovery or even muscle loss.

2. Enzyme and Hormone Production

Proteins are crucial for producing enzymes that speed up chemical reactions in your body, including those that help digest food and absorb nutrients. They also play a role in producing hormones, like insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar, or growth hormones that are involved in development.

3. Immune System Support

Many antibodies that fight off infections are made of proteins. A lack of protein can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to defend itself against illness.

4. Energy Source

While carbohydrates and fats are the body’s preferred energy sources, protein can be used as a backup energy source when those aren’t available, like during periods of fasting or starvation. However, the body generally tries to avoid using protein for energy unless absolutely necessary, as it's needed for more critical functions.

Why Protein Needs Vary:

  • Age: Children, teenagers, and pregnant women require more protein because they are growing and developing. Older adults may also need more protein to help prevent muscle loss (sarcopenia) and support immune function.

  • Activity Level: Active people, especially those who engage in strength training or endurance sports, need more protein to repair and build muscle. For example, athletes might need 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, compared to 0.8 grams for the average sedentary person.

  • Health Conditions: Certain conditions like illness, injury, or surgeries can increase the need for protein as the body works harder to heal. Similarly, people with chronic conditions (like kidney disease) may have different protein needs, either requiring less or more depending on the situation.

  • Body Composition and Weight Goals: Someone with a higher muscle mass (like bodybuilders) needs more protein to maintain that muscle mass. On the flip side, people looking to lose weight might focus on higher protein intake to help preserve muscle while burning fat, as protein helps with satiety and maintaining muscle during a calorie deficit.

In general, protein needs vary greatly depending on one's lifestyle, age, health status, and activity level. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation—individualized needs should always be considered when planning dietary intake. If you found this article helpful, would you please consider making a small donation to support the continued availability of these blog posts and the website, free of advertisements.


*This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice. Always work with an educated healthcare provider when looking for diet, nutrition, and supplement advice. If you would like to speak with someone about your journey to better health, reach out anytime to The Nutritional Advisor via our CONTACT FORM!

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