7 Benefits of Eating High Protein Foods
High protein diets do more than just help you lose weight. Did you know that your organs, tissues, muscles, and hormones all have a combination of protein used for development, growth, and functionality? Proteins are involved in just about every part of your body. So, when you consume a high protein diet, you take advantage of several health benefits.
Protein Reduces Appetite and Hunger Levels
Fats, carbs, and proteins are all part of a well-balanced diet that fuels our body. But, they all affect our bodies in different ways. Protein helps your feel fuller. And, you actually consume less to feel this way when you are eating protein-rich foods. The science behind this is that protein reduces the hormone ghrelin, and boost the hormone peptide YY in your body. Ghrelin is your hunger hormone while peptide YY is your satiety hormone. So, you are reducing your hunger levels and leaving your body feeling fuller. If you replace some of the carbs and fats you are eating with protein, you will notice a difference in your weight.
Protein Increases Strength
At the building blocks of our muscles is protein. Therefore, studies show that eating plenty of protein will help increase muscle mass and strength. Remaining physically active, lifting weights, and gaining muscle can all be accomplished through adding more protein to your diet. And, since we go into a break down stage during weight loss, protein can help keep your muscle strength even when you are in this catabolic state.
It's Good for Your Bones
Protein has a major benefit when it comes to bone health. As we get older, there is a risk of osteoporosis and fractures. People who eat more protein maintain their bone mass better when they have a steady intake of high protein foods.
Protein Boosts Metabolism
Our bodies use food as energy to get us through the day. When we eat, our body breaks down the nutrients and uses calories to help digest. But, not all foods are the same. A high protein diet has been shown to boost metabolism and increase your calorie burn.
Protein Lowers Blood Pressure
Several studies have shown that higher protein intake can lead to reduction of blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. In addition to lowering blood pressure, protein is shown to reduce your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This health benefit has an amazing overall effect on the quality and length of life.
Protein Helps Repair Your Body
Many times, injuries are more than just a broken bone. Muscles and tendons are the injured area need time to repair. Given that protein is the building blocks of muscle mass, it is no surprise that increasing protein intake can help your body repair itself after an injury. This leads to faster recovery times.
Protein Helps Older People Stay Fit
As we get older, our muscles shrink. This is the leading cause of frailty, fractures, and reduced quality of life as we get older. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to increase your protein intake. When you pair consistent physical activity with a protein rich diet, you can reduce the muscle wasting that is associated with aging.
Protein is the source of many health benefits, so eating a protein rich diet can help you in many aspects of life. Choose a high protein diet if you want to see positive results in your weight loss efforts, and benefit from additional boosts in your overall health.