Protein... Are you getting enough???
Feb 28, 2023
by Mike Barbato
Protein is essential for adults to maintain overall health and well-being. While often associated with building muscle, it also plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, such as repairing tissues, producing hormones and enzymes, and supporting the immune system. As we age, protein needs increase, making it crucial to ensure we consume enough to meet our body's needs.
When it comes to exercise, protein is even more important. Regular physical activity increases the body's demand for protein, as it is needed to repair and rebuild muscle tissue that is damaged during exercise. Protein also plays a role in fueling physical activity, as it is a source of energy for the body during prolonged exercise.
To build and maintain muscle mass, adults who exercise regularly need to consume more protein than those who are sedentary. The amount of protein required depends on factors such as body weight, exercise intensity, and duration. Generally, it is recommended that adults who exercise regularly consume between 1.2 and 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, but even more if you're a healthy adult who exercises and is trying to lose weight.
It's also important to note that the timing of protein intake is crucial for maximizing its benefits. Consuming protein shortly after exercise can help to promote muscle repair and growth.
While protein can be found in many different foods, including animal and plant-based sources, it's important to ensure you're consuming high-quality sources of protein. Animal sources of protein, such as meat, fish, and dairy, are complete proteins, containing all the essential amino acids needed by the body. Plant-based sources of protein, such as beans and legumes, are incomplete proteins, meaning they lack one or more essential amino acids.
To wrap It up, protein is essential for adults to maintain overall health and well-being, and its importance increases even more for those who exercise regularly. If you’re feeling sluggish, hungry all the time, or noticing you are prone to injury and have brittle nails — these are signs you may not be getting enough protein. In fact, recent research suggests nearly half of older adult Americans aren’t getting enough protein.
Our recommendation for a supplement is Ascent Whey Protein. It contains a total of 25g of whey protein per serving. That’s equivalent to the amount of protein found in 4 large eggs, 1 small chicken breast, 3 cups of whole milk, 3 (8oz) servings of yogurt, or ¾ cup of almonds. Fueling your muscles has never been easier, tastier, or more convenient.
