Proteins are essential nutrients that form the basic building blocks of our body. They are one of the three fundamental macronutrients, alongside fats and carbohydrates. Proteins play a crucial role in building our muscle tissue, making them vital for experienced athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even non-athletes following specific dietary plans.
Why Protein Is Essential for Your Body
Adequate protein intake is indispensable for your body. A diet too low in protein leads to a reduction in lean mass and muscle tissue. Beyond muscles, proteins also contribute to the growth, renewal, and restoration of other bodily tissues including hair, nails, and skin. They also support a healthy immune system.
Protein and Amino Acids: The Building Blocks
Proteins contain amino acids that enable your body to repair damaged cells. During protein digestion, your body must break them down into amino acids to absorb them properly. When there's a deficiency, amino acids can no longer be synthesized, forcing your body to draw protein from existing muscles for nourishment. This protein deficiency leads to muscle loss, which is detrimental for everyone—athletes, sedentary individuals, seniors, and more.
While your body can produce most amino acids on its own, certain essential amino acids must be obtained through diet. Protein supplementation helps provide these missing amino acids.
Animal vs. Plant-Based Protein Sources
Proteins can come from animal sources (red meat, poultry, fish, eggs) or plant-based sources (soy, peas, rice, beans). Animal proteins typically offer better digestibility and a richer amino acid profile. Conversely, some plant proteins have limited amino acid content. It's therefore important to combine multiple plant protein sources to provide your body with the necessary amino acid quantities.