There are three major macronutrients in our diet, namely, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. There are many arguments about how much carbs and fats are required for our body, but proteins are always the healthiest of three. There are ample options in non vegetarian as well as vegetarian diets. Vegetarian proteins contain comparatively less calories and cholesterol than most non vegetarian options.
Although, including meat in your diet can also help you achieving the goal. It is a very common myth that those who are involved in some kind of physical activity only require to increase their protein intake. One requires good amount of proteins especially at a younger age. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Anjali Phatak, Director Nutripulse and Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Nutripulse, Jaipur, to know about reasons to eat more protein.
Reasons to eat more protein
There are ample reasons listed below as to why you must include proteins in your diet. It helps in growth and maintainence of the body and also plays an important role in boosting the metabolism. You must consult your dietitian if you have any underlying kidney problem, and this issue should not be taken lightly as high proteins diet can worsen the situation but it doesn't have any adverse effects on a healthy kidney. Here are the main health benefits of eating proteins:
1. Increases muscle strength and mass
Proteins are the building block of our body. They help in muscle growth and maintenance of the body. It also helps in preserving muscle mass while losing weight. Losing muscle weight is not good for our body because it makes us weak.
2. Keeps you full for a longer time
Intake of sufficient proteins is very important to feel satiety. Many studies tell us that proteins can help us prevent snacking and midnight cravings. It also helps in regulation of hunger hormones in body. It suppresses the production of the hormone which makes us feel extremely hungry.
Also read: 7 Simple Ways to Add More Protein to Your Diet
3. Aids weight loss
Digestion could be also one of the most tedious and energy consuming tasks for our body. Proteins take a lot of energy to produce and break down into absorbable molecules. They also produce a heating effect which accelerates the process of fat burning in body. Consumption of proteins along with the right workout can extensively help you towards your weight goal. One must remember to also give enough rest to muscles to let them regenerate.
4. Good for bones
It is a very common myth that consumption of proteins can lead to more acidity in body and loss of calcium ions from our bones. But it is completely false. Proteins help in muscle development and protects the bones from wear and tear. People who include proteins in their diet have a good protective covering on their bones which shields it from shocks and fractures.
5. Lower blood pressure
High protein diet helps a lot in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels. Including proteins in your diets keeps you fuller and prevents you from consuming unhealthy snacks. Proteins also replenish our body with good fats which ultimately helps in lowering bad cholesterol in body, hence preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Also read: Why Is Protein Important For A Flawless Skin? Know From Expert
6. Boosts immune system
Proteins can help in healing of our body, and a healthy body has an improved immune system. It also helps in production of various antibodies to fight against infections. Thus, another health benefit of eating protein rich foods in an enhanced immunity.
