Why Is Protein So Important?

Did you know that protein is one of the essential nutrients every person needs to keep their body healthy? Not enough people get sufficient protein, especially those who live in third-world countries. A lack of protein can cause significant problems with development, bone health, cognitive abilities and more. Many people focus on fat and carbs when trying to eat better, when their focus should be more centered on protein. Not only can more of it boost your metabolism and fat burning, but it also helps your body run smoother and better. Find out all the benefits of protein today and why it is so vital to the human body!

What Does Your Body Need?

Millions of people eat and drink everyday without even thinking about the foods they are putting into their bodies. However, the food you put in determines how your body runs, how it feels and even how long it lasts. If you’re not putting in proper fuel, your body won’t have what it needs to perform at it’s best. Just like a car won’t run on water, your body won’t run on purely sugar-packed foods. Eventually, there will be a breakdown.

You need 6 essential nutrients to keep your body healthy on a day-to-day basis. Those include:

1. Protein: Protein is used for energy in the body, but mostly for structuring cells and for rebuilding body tissues. This nutrient is so important that about 35% of your daily calories should be from protein.
2. Carbohydrates: Carbs are the main energy source for the brain and body that keep both working.
3. Fats: Your body needs some fat on it as both an energy source and as the means of helping your body absorb vitamins. Fat increases your absorption.
4. Water: When you eat, you need a way to digest and disperse your food so it goes where the body needs it. At least 2/3rds of your body is water, and water is needed daily to keep your organs, tissues, circulation and everything running. Water transports nutrients from food to areas of your body and it gets rid of waste products, among a thousand other things. Drink about ½ your body weight in ounces each day.
5. Vitamins: Every essential vitamin (A, B, C, D, E, etc.) is needed to perform a specific body structure. For example, vitamin D maintains calcium homeostasis in your body. Nutrient deficiencies will quickly lead to health problems, sometimes chronic.
6. Minerals: Minerals go hand-in-hand with vitamins, and are substances found in nature, especially in healthy foods. You need specific minerals to build certain tissues and to keep your body working.

What Exactly Is Protein?

Protein is a molecule (made up of amino acids) that is important to all living things. Plants, animals, and humans all require different types of proteins to build cells and all their living tissue. Think of protein as one of the most important things you can give your body. It is sometimes known as the “building block” of life. Protein builds tissues and cells in your body, which is why people increase their protein intake if they are trying to get stronger and build muscle.

Protein is essential for healthy growth to happen, especially in the womb. In third-world countries where protein is scarce, infants and children have a harder time developing. You need to continue receiving healthy amounts of protein sources every day for your body to continue its biological processes.

The body can’t make its own protein in many cases, so you have to get it from your food sources, and you need it every day. If you go to the supermarket, you will realize that protein-packed foods are all around you. Foods rich in protein are dairy products, eggs, nuts, lentils, seeds, meat, yogurts (which is a great light-weight option), peanut butter seafoods,and more. Many protein products are made specifically to pack a lot of protein in a small bar or shake. These are easy options to add to your diet if you want to increase your protein intake.

The Benefits of Eating More Protein

Choosing to eat well and get essential nutrients each and every day will make a major difference in how your body runs and feels. Eating protein-packed foods and cutting out the processed, sugary ones can literally make many chronic conditions go away. Your mood will improve and so will your day-to-day energy levels. More protein:

• Increases fat burning
• Helps the body build tissues and cells
• Boosts metabolism
• Makes you feel fuller
• Can help you lose weight
• Promotes healthy development and a longer life
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces cravings and snacking
• Helps maintain your bone mass longer
• Builds stronger muscles, faster
• Speeds up injury recovery and healing

Every person needs around 30% of their daily calories from protein. When choosing foods (especially when you are hungry), try to choose ones with higher amounts of protein and lower amounts of sugar and fat. If you need energy, don’t reach for a candy bar! Reach for a low-sugar protein bar or snack and you’ll have longer-lasting energy that will help you lose weight and stay healthy.

A Healthier You

Did you know that you can get healthier easier and meet your weight goals better when you have help? Whether you get help through nutritional assessments and counseling or through another therapy service, you are making a decision that will lengthen your life. If you want to know more about the nutrients you need, or if you want to get tested today, call Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center at (512) 806-0015!