Protein Basics – Why is it important for optimal health?

Protein is one of 3 macro nutrients and can be the most difficult one to get in a society of animal-focused nutrition. It’s a critical nutrient we need every day, and it plays a crucial role in so many ways, and it connects to:

• Satiety
• Appetite Suppression
• Building/Keeping Muscle
• Immune System
• Bone Health
• Anemia / Red Blood Cells
• Sleeping, Fatigue, Focusing
• Skin/Nail Health
• Hair Loss
• Anxiety & Depression

Protein basics

Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for practically every bodily function.

Protein is needed to build and maintain muscle, repair tissue and transport nutrients, as well as to make enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters. Most talk is about dietary protein and muscle synthesis, but there are trillions of cells in the body that require protein. Protein is needed for the healthy cell turnover and recovery in the organs and tissues, plus all of the cells within the immune system require protein.

But how much protein do we really need?

The usual recommended daily allowance (RDA) speaks to what is needed to maintain minimal health – not optimal health – for each individual. A common RDA listing of protein is 46g for women and 56g for men. Many factors adjust this to higher amounts, and a common minimum rule of thumb suggests multiplying 0.36g of protein needed for each pound of body weight.

So for example, 72g of protein per day may be enough for a 200 lb man; more if he is regularly exercising and recovering and trying to add some muscle and strength.

For “seniors,” a recent dietitian study concluded that consuming at least 75g of protein per day was needed to prevent muscle loss.

This is one reason we created our high protein toppers & snacks: to make it easier to boost up your daily consumption of healthy protein!

 

For more information, tips and recipes, follow us on social media!

• Instagram: @vegetarian_trvlr 
• Facebook
• Twitter 

To be first to know about sales and to learn more about living a plant-based life, sign up for our Plant-Based Journey Newsletter today!