Protein Supplementation and its 3 Significant Benefits

When you workout and do not get the results that you want, one component that could be lacking is protein.  Continue reading if you want to figure out the ways protein can affect body performance.

Every beginner to an advance bodybuilder should understand how essential a component protein is for bodybuilding.  However, there are still enthusiasts who fail to incorporate and maintain the use of this much needed protein to their diet and workout plan.  Some of the reasons are mentioned below:

1.  Once they get the desired results, there is the tendency to be lax with the system.

2.  There are so many life distractions and sets of priorities that will later make them question the need to continuously include protein in their weekly meal preparation.

3.  They just become lazy and tired to commit to a program such as dedication to a tough protein regime.  Since any workout management plan requires a lot of dedication and effort, some of this iron buffs could still mess up their regime which includes  protein-rich meals.  This is one critical error for someone who is driven to achieve results out of their workout agenda.

All hope is not lost though with the need for protein being stressed out enough and with the wide selection of protein products arounds to support the protein intake of bodybuilders, life has become a lot easier for them.  A protein rich diet is an absolute must for any bodybuilder intent on reaping results. Insufficient gain can be achieved if the bodybuilder fails to follow through with his protein intake due to any of the above mentioned reasons.

Below are 3 major reasons why the daily protein quota must be met:

1.  Fundamental for Muscle Structure

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body.  It is essential to building muscle mass and is commonly found in animal products.  Chemically, it is composed of amino acids, which are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are the building blocks of muscle mass, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).   The finest quality of protein is needed for body repair since a body can only process a certain amount of dietary protein at a time.

Soy Proteins and vegetables, for example are not enough replacement for eggs, chicken, fish and whey protein isolate which all have a higher biological value. Different degree of stimulation during endurance training can put the muscles in constant state of regeneration.  Due to this, enough aminos from digested protein is needed by the body for protein integration and muscle growth.  When not  just any old protein source rich meal is consumed, protein integration is further boosted.  There are 20 aminos required for protein integratio (9 of those are essential that must be ingested and 11 non-essential which can be synthesized in the body).  Among all of these, the branched-chained amino acid leucine is most anabolic of all.

For ultimate muscle anabolism, (anabolism is defined as building up of the body, for a body to get into a anabolic state, it must consume a source of energy first) it is recommended to have 2-3 grams of leucine per meal. Although 2 grams of leucine can be substituted with a 300 gram serving of chicken, just a scoop of whey protein can provide the full 3 grams.

Due to its importance, many bodybuilders take leucine to maintain a longer anabolic state.  Most bodybuilders are unaware that protein can also be broken down by the body and utilized for energy in the process the same with carbohydrates and fats.  On the other hand, carbs and fats cannot be transformed into protein.  So even if a bodybuilder thinks he is well-nourished, a well balanced, quality protein meal should be spread across several daily meals for muscle-building.  That is a must.

2.  Maintains the Cellular Machinery Running  Protein does not stop with muscle building alone, it is also instrumental in making sure that biological processes and bodily tissues are sustained and strengthened.  Protein is vital in bone development, formation of around 75,000 enzymes necessary for various functions such as body’s metabolism, and digestion of food.

With insufficient protein, it could result to compromised health and muscle tissue would likely deteriorate quickly.  Bodybuilders in an effort to build biceps rapidly will have the tendency to disregard their health and wellbeing.  They should be reminded that muscles will not develop to their full potential if health is being compromised.  New body cells are generated with the help of proteins, another reason to keep the protein.

3.  Suppresses Appetite  There are several reasons why it is so difficult to stick to a diet and one of those is our drive to taste high-calorie foods.  Based on several studies, protein is the most satisfying macronutrients.  Even for ordinary folks, once they double their protein intake while regulating carbohydrates and fats, it can reduce cravings and keeps them away from off-limits foods.

Bodybuilders have the tendency to consume sufficient protein to curb excessive cravings.  While protein can reduce appetite to promote a more ripped appearance in bodybuilding, it is whey protein that yield results at its best.