Live Well
Updated: July 20, 2022
Protein: The Building Block of Health!
Your body uses protein to build and repair body tissues, to make enzymes, hormones, and is used as important building blocks of bones, blood, skin, cartilage and muscles. Most people eat enough protein to prevent deficiency, but some individuals would do better with a much higher protein intake. Numerous studies suggest that a high-protein diet has major benefits for weight loss and metabolic health.
Here are the major health benefits of eating more protein and why a higher protein diet will help you to Live Well:
Reduces Appetite & Hunger
Protein is by far the most filling compared to fats and carbs. Eating more protein will help you feel more full with less food! If you need to lose weight, consider replacing some of your carbs and fats with protein. It can be as simple as making your potato or rice serving smaller while adding a few extra bites of meat or fish.
Increases Muscle Mass & Strength
Protein is the building block of your muscles. Eating adequate amounts of protein helps you maintain your muscle mass and promotes muscle growth when you do strength training. Keeping protein intake high can also help prevent muscle loss during weight loss.
Good For Your Bones
People who eat more protein tend to maintain bone mass better as they age and have a much lower risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This is especially important for women, who are at high risk of osteoporosis after menopause. Eating plenty of protein and staying active is a good way to help prevent that from happening.
Helps Maintain Weight
Because a high-protein diet boosts metabolism and leads to an automatic reduction in calorie intake and cravings, many people who increase their protein intake tend to lose weight almost instantly. If you want to keep off excess weight, consider making a permanent increase in your protein intake.
Keeps You Fit As You Age
One of the consequences of aging is that your muscles gradually weaken. Eating more protein is one of the best ways to reduce age-related muscle deterioration. Staying physically active is also crucial, and lifting weights or doing some sort of resistance exercise can work wonders.
Protein is an essential part of everyone’s diet and a building block for your body. Whether you are an athlete, just trying to lose a few pounds, or trying to stay fit as you age, protein will only do your body good. Remember, eating enough protein daily will help you Live Well!
How do you make sure you eat enough protein? Share with us via our social channels @FostersCayman on Facebook and Instagram.
