Protein is probably the most under eaten macronutrient within the western world, probably the main reason being is that it can be expensive.
We live in a world where people are generally less & less active yet continue to consume high volumes of carbohydrates ( energy ) .Which results in a gain in body weight / body fat.
If you are going to start working out or exercising , I can not emphasis enough how important it is to increase your daily protein intake not just health purposes but also for recovery & reducing body fat.
These are my main pointers as to why you should be consuming more of it.
Can Boost Metabolism and Increase Fat Burning
Eating food can boost your metabolism for a short while. However, not all foods are the same in this regard. In fact, protein has a much higher thermic effect (20-35%) than fat or carbs (5-15%) .
A high protein intake has been shown to significantly boost metabolism and increase the amount of calories you burn. This can amount to 80 to 100 more calories burned each day as an average.
Can Reduce Cravings and Desire for Late-Night Snacking
Unfortunately, cravings can be incredibly hard to control. The best way to overcome them may be to prevent them from showing up in the first place.One of the best ways to do that is to increase your protein intake.
Eating more protein has been shown to reduce cravings and desire for late-night snacking. Just eating a high-protein breakfast may have a powerful effect.
Can Help You Lose Weight and Keep it Off in The Long-Term
When it comes to losing weight, protein is the king of nutrients. A high protein diet boosts metabolism and leads to automatic reduction in calorie intake and cravings.
In a 12-month study of 130 overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet, the high-protein group lost 53% more body fat than a normal-protein group eating the same number of calories.
Can Help You Keep Fit as You Get Older
This is referred to as age-related sarcopenia , & is one of the main causes of frailty, bone fractures and reduced quality of life in old age.Eating more protein is one of the best ways to prevent age-related sarcopenia .
Staying physically active is also crucial, and lifting weights or doing some sort of resistance exercise can work wonders.
Protein for Healthy Skin
Protein contains amino acids called L-lysine and L-proline, which are very important in the creation of collagen in your body. Collagen gives structure to your skin’s tissues. As you get older, your collagen breaks down, which may lead to wrinkles.
So eating a high-protein diet fortifies your collagen levels and therefore makes your skin thicker and less prone to wrinkles.