Found throughout your body, protein is essential for bone, muscle, skin, and virtually every tissue and body part. If you haven’t got enough protein in your system, this can cause a loss in muscle mass, slow down your metabolism, and make it difficult to keep your balance.
A lack of protein can also result in anaemia. This is when your cells do not get enough oxygen, causing tiredness and fatigue.
Unfortunately, many Australians fail to get enough protein each day. However, you don’t have to be in the same category. With a little bit of knowledge, you can make changes and increase your protein intake to boost your health. Here are several benefits of adding more protein into your diet.
Suppresses Appetite
If you were to ask millions of Aussies, many would say they aren’t happy with their weight. If you’re one of them and want to shift some pounds, you need to figure out how to manage your hunger levels. Thankfully, protein can help with this. Because protein is very filling, this means you won’t be reaching out for snacks at every given opportunity.
Increases Muscle Mass
Many of us aspire to be leaner. If you want to look in the mirror and see someone muscular-looking back at you, protein is the answer. This is because protein can increase muscle mass and keep your weight in check.
To make muscle progress, your body requires protein. Even when you’ve worked hard to get lean muscle, maintaining a high protein diet is what will keep everything intact.
There are supplement powders like SUSTAGEN Optimum that are rich in protein and can support muscle mass. Other benefits of the supplement include supporting digestive health, boosting immune function, and supporting a healthy gut.
Strengthens Your Bones
The aging process happens to us all. As you navigate your way through it, your bones are going to get weaker. Therefore, one of the best things you can do is up your intake of protein as you age. Those who eat more protein usually maintain bone mass better as they get older.
What’s more, they have a lower chance of developing osteoporosis. This is particularly important for women who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause.
Helps with Weight Loss
We’ve briefly touched on it, but eating more protein can help in reducing weight. The reason for this is simple – protein boosts your metabolism. When you combine protein with physical activity, this can help improve muscle mass too. Rather than overloading your plate with fats and carbs, it’s best to stick with protein if you’re serious about losing weight.
Speeds Up Recovery
If you’re a gym-goer, you will know that injuries and strains can happen when you least expect them. When you’re resting and recovering, it’s important to take things easy. To get you back on the treadmill quicker, eating more protein can be a big help. Protein is said to ease soreness and repair muscles that have been torn during weightlifting.
Reduces Stress
Too much stress can result in all kinds of mental and physical illnesses. Also, stress can affect blood sugar levels and lead to blood sugar imbalances, like hypoglycaemia. Factoring more protein into your diet can not only maintain your energy levels, but stop mood swings, agitation, and jitteriness commonly linked with chronic stress.
Individuals under stress often find it challenging to get a good night’s sleep. Protein can help aid sleep quality, which in turn, will lower stress.
Boosts Immune System
To keep your immune system in tip-top shape, you should consider boosting your protein intake. The immune system releases antibodies in response to bacterial or viral infections in the body.
These antibodies are made of protein. Should there not be enough protein in your body, this makes it difficult for your immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses. Incorporating more protein into your diet is a brilliant way to boost your immune system.
Lowers Blood Pressure
It’s estimated that 3.5 million Australians have high blood pressure. If you fall into this statistic, it’s time to do something about it. You may have been told to lose weight, practice relaxation techniques, and exercise regularly to lower blood pressure.
But, something as simple as adding more protein into your diet can be highly beneficial too. Eating a variety of protein-rich foods like chicken or eggs may help in preventing high blood pressure.
Now you’re aware of the advantages of incorporating more protein into your diet, it’s time to actually do so. Begin by eating foods rich in protein such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. You can also opt for a protein shake for breakfast to get your day off to the best start.
When you learn the benefits of protein and how it can help your mind and body, adding more to your diet can only be a good thing.