Benefits of protein

Protein is a key ‘macronutrient’ fuelling your body’s energy[1]. But that’s not the only reason protein is considered crucial in good health.

Did you know, the word “protein” is derived from the Greek word “protos,” meaning “first in rank or position”?[2]

This alludes to the important biological role of protein and why it’s vital for your body’s ongoing health, as well as a daily fuel source.

So, next time you dine on your favourite eggs, cook up some delish seafood or enjoy other high-protein foods like tofu, you can take comfort in the knowledge that you’re helping your body complete an important internal job for your body.

Protein helps fight infection

‘You use protein to manufacture important molecules, such as hormones and enzymes, and to build and maintain muscle tissue,” explains Susan Bowerman (M.S, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND), Herbalife’s Senior Director Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training.

‘Your body is constantly assembling, breaking down and using protein, so it’s important to include enough protein in your diet every day to replace what you’ve used.’[3]

Every cell in your body contains protein.

And there are more than 10,000 types in your body’s bones, skin, hair, muscles and tissue.[4]

So, if you’ve ever wondered what protein does, think of it as a fundamental component of your body’s building blocks[5] by helping:

Build and repair tissues

Fight infection by assisting in the production of antibodies

Carry oxygen throughout the body in your blood

Keep cells healthy and create new ones

Improve bone health (thereby lowering the risk of osteoporosis and fractures)

Protein's importance as we age

No matter how hard we try to fight or hide it, we all age.

And as we get older, bone health becomes extremely important. And a condition called sarcopenia, which causes a loss of muscle, sets in.

‘The impact of sarcopenia can be serious,’ warns Herbalife Chief Health and Nutrition Officer, Kent L. Bradley.

‘One very concrete example of this is the rise of hip fractures as we age.

‘Over 95 percent of all hip fractures are because of a fall,’ he says.

‘Hip fractures highlight the compounding effect of aging and the vital role of our muscles.

‘One consequence of aging is the possible loss of calcium in our bones, known as osteoporosis. Thus, bones may be more easily fractured.

‘However, when we lose our muscle mass and strength, we are more prone to falls,” he says. [6]

Keeping conditions like sarcopenia at bay is where protein plays a key role, by consuming a sufficient amount of protein and improving muscle strength.

As Kent says, ‘even though aging is guaranteed, the consequences are not.’

Protein rich foods

Protein, carbohydrates and fats supply energy to your body. [7]

As such, protein is a major part of a body’s energy supply, with each gram of protein containing four calories.

Herbalife's global nutrition philosophy[8] places protein as a vital macronutrient.

You’ll find these foods (below) to be high in protein.[9]

Seafood

Lean meat and poultry

Eggs and dairy

Tofu

Beans and peas

Soy products

Unsalted nuts and seeds.

And if you’re after a tasty breakfast or snack that ups your protein, try tasty high protein recipes containing protein powder[10]. Or if you’re in a rush, protein shakes are a perfect way to up your protein and keep hunger at bay. [11]

In fact, according to a study by Harvard Health[12], those who consumed more grams of protein at breakfast had lower blood sugar levels and felt fuller during the day than those who consumed less protein.

However, if you’re not sure how much protein to have, this should help. (insert link to first protein story)

References

[1] https://www.verywellfit.com/macronutrients-2242006

Author: Laura Dolson

Date: Mar 10, 2021

Title: Macronutrients 101: how protein, fat, and carbohydrates fuel your body

Publisher: https://www.verywellfit.com

Date accessed: July 4, 2021

[2] https://iamherbalifenutrition.com/healthy-weight/calculating-protein-intake/

Author: Susan Bowerman

Date: n/a

Title: How much protein do you need per day? Try these methods