Cecil Murphy

On the Importance of a Proper Protein Intake

Your body simply can't make it through life without proteins! Whatever the type of diet you chose to have, you CAN make sure you have enough proteins to not only stay healthy, but prosper and grow, as well!

Proteins are one of the three main macronutrient groups; they are proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and all are essential to the efficient and healthy functioning of the human body. They are composed of chains of amino acids, bonded by peptide links. Amino acids play many roles in the body, but the one they are most well-known for is for giving structure and physicality to cells.

Cells routinely die; this is how we are built. All cells in our bodies regularly die, and are replaced by new cells. Your organs, skins, muscles, et cetera, are now, biologically speaking, the same ones you had a year ago! Because amino acids are needed to build new cells, it is important, crucial even to get a proper supply in your diet.

For most people, dietary sources of proteins are more than sufficient to fill their needs. Normal protein sources include meat, dairy and eggs, as well as vegetal sources, like soy, beans, lentils and more for vegetarians and vegans.

Of course, not all proteins are the same, as they vary in amino acid composition. Complete proteins, as found in meat, eggs and dairy contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to fulfill its needs, as well as several non-essential and conditionally essential ones. Vegans and vegetarians need to be careful that they ingest complete proteins as well, through soy (for example) or practice protein combining, to ensure that they’re not missing out on important nutrients.

These individuals can usually reply on quality meal or protein replacement products, such as ViSalus, or other trusted brands that not only include the proteins, but also the vitamins needed to proper absorption and metabolism.

There are certain individuals that require more proteins than others. Athletes, bodybuilders and other active individuals need more proteins, since they purposefully damage their muscles, either during workouts or by practicing their sports, and need added amino acids in order to rebuild them, as well as to grow. For them, the presence in great quantities of the Branched Chain Amino Acids L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine is of particular importance. These amino acids can be metabolized directly inside the skeletal muscle cells, and will work to trigger protein synthesis through the activation of the mTOR signaling pathways.

When choosing protein supplementation, make sure that you chose something with low fat and carbohydrate content, unlike you specifically want a ‘weight gaining’ product. Choosing a supplement with low incidental macronutrient content lets you focus your proteins, and have a greater level of control over your intake. It is appropriate to chose a supplement with added vitamins; vitamin B6, for example, is important in amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA replication and cell duplication.

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