All About Protein

Protein, your body's building blocks. Are you getting enough? NutriSci’s Protein Range may hold the answer….

Protein is the body’s building blocks and all of our organs including skin, muscles, hair and nails are built from proteins. Many hormones are proteins and the immune, digestive and blood systems all rely on proteins to work correctly. Protein is therefore an essential part of our diet, vital to the development and correct functioning of the body and it is particularly important for children and adolescents - as they grow and develop into adults proteins are used to produce tissue and it also has an important role for pregnant women.

If our diets contained no protein then our bodies would start to break down muscles in order to produce the protein it needs – our bodies are good at storing fats and some sugars but not good at storing proteins. It is therefore necessary to continually replace the protein that our bodies use.

The amount of protein that we need is dependent in part on our age, weight and levels of activity. People with high levels of activity may need slightly more protein than those who lead more sedentary lifestyles – as protein is essential in building and repairing muscle and other tissues slightly more is needed for those who are actively trying to develop muscle.

NutriSci is based on Whey Protein which is derived from dairy products and is considered a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids and is low in lactose content.

There are many health benefits associated with the consumption of whey protein, including those listed below, and researchers are constantly finding new possible therapeutic properties.

• Losing weight
• Building Muscle
• Promotes healthy immune system
• Lower cholesterol
• Asthma- whey protein could improve immune response in children with asthma
• Lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of cardiovascular disease
  

Protein is an important building block for muscle as well as hair, skin and nails. Powders are dehydrated forms from sources such as milk, soy or plants. As a nutrient, protein is very filling, which can help you avoid overeating later, and it preserves muscle to keep your metabolism running at its peak. Powders might offer a bit of a metabolic advantage if they are low in calories.

So who is Protein for? Simple: Everyone.

You don' have to be an athlete to need protein. We simply don't consume enough protein in our diet to feel the benefits and as such we need to supplement it with a protein powder. Whether you go for a gentle walk a few times a week or try and get a gym session in around the kids every other day, you will need additional protein to repair your muscles. Taking a protein supplement after a workout will help repair any damage and will stop that muscle ache from a strenuous training session.

Protein is so important to maintain a healthy diet, whether you are watching your weight, on a weight loss program or simply looking after your health. Adding protein to your morning porridge, smoothie or pancakes will keep you fuller for longer. Having a protein shake when you are feeling peckish will stop you reaching for sugary snacks.

The size of our skeletal muscles – the muscles we use to move our body – and our ability to perform
everyday tasks naturally decline with age from the around the fifth decade. Severe muscle loss can lead to frailty, loss of independence and a greater risk of dying.

- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

The old myth that protein is simply for body builders is completely untrue. Protein aids weight loss, helps build muscle when needed and repairs damaged muscles. A protein supplement is essential for older people, researchers now say their findings mean older men should aim to have high quality protein at every meal. Regularly eating enough protein is known to help maintain muscles.