6 Reasons to Include Protein Shakes in Your Diet
Protein is an essential macronutrient that is integral for good health. Every single cell in your body needs protein to help repair tissues, build muscle, provide an excellent immune system response, and produce enzymes and hormones. A lot of people have now incorporated protein powders as a nutritional supplement. It is famous with fitness enthusiasts and athletes because it is scientifically proven to boost your gains in the gym. Some religiously drink protein powder for weight loss.
If you are thinking of incorporating this into your diet, you are onto the right track. Consider the following benefits of drinking protein powder shakes below.
6 Reasons to Include Protein Shakes in Your Diet
1. Builds Lean Muscle
A scoop of whey, casein, or plant-based protein powder is loaded with essential, quality protein that you can never get from just chomping on meat or tofu. Proteins are the building blocks of gaining muscle. Those who want to bulk up and develop defined cuts of muscle by pumping iron in the gym must increase their protein intake to supplement this activity.
Using this specialized powder is essential to reaching your fitness goals. When you take a protein shake, you optimize your body’s muscle protein synthesis, which will help you achieve faster results.
2. Promotes Weight Loss
Many people also drink protein powder for weight loss and weight maintenance. Making protein smoothies are a great on-the-go meal in a glass because they are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Protein powder has a low glycemic index, so it does not promote sugar spikes, which is the known culprit of food cravings.
Those who want to cut down on their snacking will benefit from drinking these protein shakes because they feel full longer. This protein drink has an essential combination of nutrients without all the added fat and calories.
3. Helps With Digestive Issues
Certain kinds of protein powders are organic and all-natural. Many are non-GMO, soy-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free. These are great for people with food sensitivities and allergies. In general, all kinds of protein powder are also fiber-enhanced. Drinking this will help regulate your bowels, ensuring that you eliminate all the harmful toxins in your body daily.
On top of that, you minimize the inflammation and irritation in your stomach, so there’s less acid reflux and bloating due to gas.
4. Revs Up the Metabolism
Some studies indicate that drinking a protein shake for breakfast can boost your metabolism by an astounding 25%. Consuming more protein in your diet means your muscles are working extra hard to burn calories to metabolize and absorb this nutrient. On top of that, protein helps you build muscles, and the more muscles you have, the better your metabolism functions even when you are at rest.
5. Aids in Supporting the Immune System
Consuming protein powder has the power to beef up your immune system. When your body is equipped with a more robust immune system, this means you can fight off illnesses more effectively. The reason for this is proteins are made up of amino acids. The latter are the building blocks that comprise all the cells in the body. This includes the cells that fuel the immune system. Taking in protein powder will help you fight infection and other diseases.
6. Boosts Your Post-Workout Recovery Phase
Those active in the gym, sports, or other activities that test the body’s physical limits will benefit from drinking protein shakes post-workout. These drinks tickle the taste buds and offer the much-needed support for your body after strenuous physical activity. Since protein powder is metabolized faster, it feeds the tears in the muscles and tissues for faster recovery. You feel less sore after workouts, and you improve your muscle performance for future ones.
Final Word
These protein powders are a popular fad that will be here to stay for the years to come. It is a beneficial supplement for many people like vegans, seniors, athletes, and more. Small scoops of protein powder can already give you a complete, quality source of protein.
If you plan to incorporate protein powder into your diet, it is best to assess your overall meal plans and your lifestyle. Above all else, only choose a high-quality product so you can rest easy knowing that your body is getting optimal nutrition.