It's common for bodybuilders and for those with a dedicated interest in fitness to regularly drink protein shakes. The extra protein helps them build lean muscle mass, giving them better results from their workouts. What about everyone else? In truth, there are more benefits to drinking protein shakes, so, even if you don't regularly work out, a regular protein shake may do your body some good.
Why Does Your Body Need Protein?
Everyone needs to make sure they consume enough protein rich foods, because that's what helps the different systems in the body function. Our bodies use protein to create hormones, nucleic acids, enzymes, cellular messengers, and to enhance the immune system. Protein is commonly known to help the body develop and strengthen muscle and tissue, which is why it's commonly associated with bodybuilding and weight training.
However, people tend to forget the organs of our body are also made up for muscle and tissue. For instance, protein boosts heart health and is necessary for the functioning of the cardiovascular system. It also helps muscles grow and heal from tears.
Accepting that the body needs a steady supply of protein, why not just rely on our foods to give us the supply of protein we need? The most important reason is that it takes the body longer to break down foods into usable protein. When we drink a protein shake, the protein is delivered to our bloodstream within 30 minutes, a far shorter time than the proteins we derive from foods.
What Kind of Proteins are Best?
There are various forms of protein, but what is casein protein? What is whey protein? These are common questions from people new to protein shakes. Whey protein is the most common type of protein, because it's processed much faster by the body. Bodybuilders often drink a whey protein shake just after a workout to help maximize their results.
Casein, on the other hand, takes longer than whey to be processed, because it's richer in glutamine. Among other things, glutamine is an amino acid that promotes better digestion, healthier brain activity, and muscle growth. Since casein takes longer to digest, it's best taken in the evening. As you sleep, it can deliver essential nutrients throughout the body, so you'll wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
An alternative to casein and whey is soy protein. This product is mostly used by vegetarians and vegans, because it's not derived from animal products. Soy protein shakes contain all of the amino acids that the body needs, which explains why it has become the preferred alternative.
More Reasons to Drink Protein Shakes
Even if you're not trying to bulk up, there are advantages to drinking regular protein shakes. Some people choose to use them as a weight loss tool, because they can reduce hunger and leave you feeling full for longer. In one Australian study, it was found that whey protein resulted in lower ghrelin levels, the hormone that tells your brain that you're hungry.
There's some anecdotal evidence to suggest that whey protein also fights cancer. While it's important to get screened regularly and to follow your doctor's instructions, adding whey protein shakes may reduce your risk of developing colon and prostate cancer.
Protein shakes can also help you manage stress. In recent studies, it was found that protein shakes reduced the signs of depression and elevated moods in 58 test subjects. Researchers concluded that the extra protein boosts serotonin levels in the brain, reducing stress and anxiety.
There's also evidence, supported by a University of Alberta study, that protein shakes can help improve immunity. Male test subjects were asked to engage in intensive aerobic activity, which resulted in lowering their glutathione levels. Glutathione deficiencies can weaken the immune system exposing the gastrointestinal and nervous systems to inflammation and infection. When the subjects were given protein shakes to supplement their diets, glutathione levels didn't drop as much as they had been without the supplements.
Protein shakes can provide obvious benefits, where you're hoping to build more lean muscle mass or not. It can help reduce weight and boost normal body functions, leading to a healthier state of well-being.
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