7 Reasons Why Including Protein in Your Diet is a Must

When we think about protein, images of body builders and athletes come to mind. But protein has important health benefits for everyone, not just for sports enthusiasts eager to build muscle. To understand why this nutrient is so necessary in our diets, it's important to understand more about it. Think back to high school science class. Proteins are molecules that make sure that our bodies' organs and tissues function properly. They are also key components in our skin, eyes, hair, bones and nails. Proteins are made up of smaller molecules called amino acids. When we digest protein, the amino acids are what's left. These units then rebuild new proteins in our bodies to do all sorts of helpful things. Here are 7 reasons to add protein into your diet: 1. Builds and Sustains Muscle Mass Protein is crucial for building muscle mass and maintaining it. It also supports ligaments, tendons, and other body tissue. Eating protein before and after exercise is said to help increase muscle recovery and to treat muscle aches. When a diet isn't rich enough in amino acids (remember, the smaller units that make up protein), your muscles can weaken and wither because the muscle fibers are breaking down to be used to support your body's energy needs. 2. Promotes Brain Function and Learning Proteins are needed to make hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters that are critical for cognitive function. The brain requires a steady supply of amino acids in order to keep up levels of concentra...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news