While ussually considered of as a muscle constructing supplement a protein supplement is much more than a “let’s get huge” magic pill. It offers substantial benefits to health as well as different, lower down the causal chain, positive effects. This article will discuss a few of these.
Let me start by asking you a question. Why do you think a protein supplement is such a big help in building muscle? One reason that might not have jumped to mind is that: quality protein promotes good health. When is the last time you saw a sickly person showing off a huge set of guns? How many buffed guys do you know that have health problems? Not that many I would wager, and this is because protein helps build up your body and you need to be at least marginally healthy before you can get some really big muscles.
A little sidenote, I am of the belief that body builders (especially pro’s) are far from healthy people. I consider that the stress that they impose upon their body will lead to many problems down the road. Even So, I do consider that there are many things that can be learnt from this profession (healthwise speaking) and one of these is that a protein supplement can serve athletic and health goals that go beyond making lean muscle mass.
I want us to be on the same page so I would care to point out that in this article I am focusing on the other benefits that come from utilising a protein supplement.
Let’s get into some specifics:
The most important macro nutrient that the body requires is protein. Protein is made of different types of amino acids and is used for many many many functions:
*structural (colagen for instance is the most widely represented protein in the body and it makes your face look smooth and wrinkle free and it prevents other parts of your body from sagging)
*constructing hormones (insulin for example is a protein, other hormones have protein in them)
*stimulates production of GH and IGF-1 (these hormones help reconstruct your body and keep you young, this is the stuff Sylvester Stallone uses to look the way he looks at 60+)
*stimulating anabolism (protein is an anabolic macro nutrient, this means that it provokes growth and suppresses tissue breakdown)
*metabolism (protein needs more energy to be digested and so it ups your metabolism)
*stimulates satiety (protein it is the most hunger quenching nutrient)
*improving insulin sensitivity (this is plainly because neither fat, nor protein stimulates the release of insulin – except in very early quantities)
*it can aid you get trim by increasing the calorie percentage of your diet that is derived from protein
A protein supplement, let me reword that, a quality protein supplement used every day with the aim of increasing the total percentage of your calories that is ingested from protein is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to benefit your health.
A primary thing to understand is that improvement in metabolisim and hormone regulation readily translates itself into many many many good things in your body.
Let me give you some instances of what I mean
A higher protein intake makes it easier for your body to make and keep lean tissue mass (muscle). This lowers your blood pressure, makes living life more easy (no huffing and puffing when going up the stairs or lifting things), supports weight loss, raises your metabolic rate, lowers insulin resistance and improves your sense of well being.
It also makes you look well. Think healthy looking skin, a lean body, a shining face and a smile for everyone (hey, if you’re feeling good you do feel like smiling).
Your head will also function more effectively. This is because the amino acids in protein are used to make neurotransmiters. These affect the way you feel, behave and even how easily you learn. Also keep in mind that you can anticipate better bone density and bettered immune function.
This article has taught you some of the benefits that you can expect from employing a high quality protein supplement.
Warning, protein sources differ wildly in their effect on the individual human body. Things good for you, might be detrimental for your kid. You can acquire a wealth of informaiton on choosing the best protein source here.
I highly recommend this article on picking out the best protein supplement: Protein Supplement
I also highly recommend this article, my unique contribution to the protein supplement debate, blood type and the protein in your protein supplement: Best Protein and Blood
