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7 Proven Benefits of a High Protein Diet

Diet & Nutrition Inspiring People
Diet & Nutrition
by Krysta Fioranelli, 19 April 2016

The concept of eating more protein is no longer just followed by bodybuilders or professional athletes. Today, it is a mainstream concept that is followed by people the world over. There remains a lot of confusion about how much protein to take, whether it is safe or not, and what are the actual benefits of a high protein diet. Read on to learn the proven benefits of a high protein diet. Aside from the benefits of increased muscle mass and reduction of body fat, increased protein intake is associated with many other health benefits. The amino acids that make up proteins are required for healthy cells, bone formation, and nail and hair growth. They are also an integral part of almost all functions within the body. Are you now interested in getting more protein in your diet?

Table of Contents

These Benefits of a High Protein Diet That Will Convince You to Add More Protein to Your Diet:

1. Muscular development

Combining resistance-based activities such as weight training with higher levels of protein intake is proven to stimulate lean muscle development. Your body is constantly breaking down muscle and rebuilding it, especially when doing weight-based activities. If you are consuming enough protein and providing the body with amino acids to help repair and grow your muscles, then over time you will increase the levels of lean muscle mass in your body. Another huge benefit of having more lean muscle is increasing your resting metabolic rate. This means that you are burning more energy naturally, without exercise.


2. Reduce calorie intake

Protein-based foods tend to be more filling and satisfying, so eating more of them in your diet can result in fewer calories being consumed. Reducing the total amount of calories eaten every day can help you manage your weight more easily.

3. Increase overall daily calorie burn

Your body will utilize a lot more energy to break down and digest protein properly, than foods lower in protein such as fats or carbohydrates. Protein compared to fats and carbohydrates requires more than double the n of calories to become metabolized, which is known as the thermic effect.

4. Gain more strength from your training

If you are involved in activities that require a certain level of strength, then expect your strength levels to increase with increased protein intake. This is due to the combination of extra muscle development and quicker recovery from your training.

5. Stronger tendons and faster recovery from injury

If you supply the body with protein after your workouts, this helps strengthen and repair the tendons and other connective tissue so your body has less chance of injury and is better prepared for further exercise.

6. Better sleep patterns

If you struggle to get a good night's sleep, then increasing protein in your diet may help. This research¹ explains the results of two randomized studies on obese and overweight adults. After a 12-weeks trial, they concluded that a “greater proportion of energy from protein while dieting may improve sleep in overweight and obese adults.” If you still have problems getting to sleep on a high protein diet, then a small number of carbs in your evening meal can help by increasing serotonin levels, making you more drowsy and ready for sleep.

7. Better quality of life

If you want robust health and the ability to perform well, then strength, mobility, muscle mass, staying lean and having good internal functionality are vital. Increasing protein intake alone will not deliver all these benefits. However, as part of an overall diet and fitness program, it can have a significant impact that will give you a much better quality of life both now and as you age. A high protein diet can make a difference to your overall health and performance, if combined with the appropriate exercise program and lifestyle choices. Depending on your dietary preferences, choose a variety of high-quality protein sources, including all types of meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and of course Nuzest Clean Lean Protein. If the bulk of your protein sources are from animal products, this can cause acidity in the body. You can balance this out by integrating more alkaline foods into your diet, such as certain fruits and vegetables. Our protein has a PH of 7.8, making it one of the few high-quality alkaline proteins available. With regard to daily intake, it depends on your activity levels and fitness goals. For general exercise and managing weight, a good starting point is 0.6-0.8 grams per pound of bodyweight. If you were reducing calories to lose weight, it is recommended that you increase this figure to around 1.2 grams per pound of bodyweight until you have reached your target weight. For athletes or serious trainers looking to build muscle and strength, the 1-1.5 grams per pound of bodyweight is a good number to aim for and then track results. No matter your health and wellness goals, there are many benefits of a high protein diet. Protein is intake is crucial, and a high protein diet may help you reach your health goals.

References

  1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26864362

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