97% of Americans are deficient in the essential nutrient protein.
That is a scary fact, considering how important protein is for the human body.
Do you know if you are deficient in protein? Continue reading to see if your diet could benefit from taking protein supplements.
What is Protein and Why is it Important?
Protein is made from building blocks called amino acids. These amino acids make up all the structures, tissues and organs in your body. Protein helps to repair muscles, build muscles and keeps you fuller for longer after you’ve eaten.
Protein is needed to help children grow and can help you recover quickly from an injury.
What Happens if You’re Deficient?
Considering how essential protein is, being deficient can lead to serious health concerns. It can reduce muscle, inhibit you from losing weight and throw your hormones out of balance. Your immune system could also weaken, leaving you to catch every cold and bug you come into contact with.
Serious nutrient deficiencies may stunt growth in children.
Foods Containing Protein
Protein supplementation may not be necessary if you have a balanced diet and consume food sources containing protein. Your lean meats, fish, dairy and eggs are all high in protein and contain all the essential amino acids needed to be healthy.
Nuts, beans, lentils, and soya are also high in protein but do not contain all the essential amino acids that your body requires. Sorry veggies and vegans! Your diet will likely require a protein supplement to make up for the lack of animal products.
Protein Supplements
Protein supplements are convenient if you live a busy lifestyle and consume meals on the go.
The most common types of protein supplements come in the form of powders. You can also buy protein bars, drinks, and high protein dairy products. There are varying protein powders on the market, all containing a different nutritional breakdown.
Whey protein powder, extracted from dairy, contains all essential amino acids and can be a good way to get extra protein into your diet. These powders are normally versatile and come in many different flavors, including flavorless. The powder can be added to porridge (known as ‘Proats’), smoothies, soups, coffee or can be mixed with milk to make a shake.
If you are planning on building up muscle, you will require extra protein in your diet for your body to use. Aiming for a protein powder that contains 20g of high-quality protein per serving is ideal. You should ensure that the powder is low in carbs and sugar to avoid eating too many calories.
What Next?
You have read all the information above and still have no idea whether or not you need protein supplements; don’t panic.
We are here to help.
Use this online calculator to find out exactly how much protein you should be consuming for your biological measurements and lifestyle.
Before going crazy and clearing the protein supplement shelf of your local store, consider switching to a balanced diet and using whole foods as your primary source of protein.
At Las Vegas Sports Performance, we can help you reach your healthy lifestyle goals. We have an in-house Certified Precision Nutritionist who can evaluate your diet and set you a nutrition plan to suit your needs.
If you’re in the Las Vegas area, come visit us!
Contact us to see how we can help you.
