If I were to choose one non-negotiable for the entire population, it would be to consume enough protein throughout the day. At minimum, everyone should be eating 1g per lb of body weight in order to improve body composition, health markers, and overall longevity. Here are 5 reasons why protein intake is crucial.
- Protein is the building block to muscle development. In order for our muscles to
recover and grow, the body needs the amino acids found in protein. As we age,
sarcopenia (muscle loss) is very common and adequate protein intake will help negate it. - Protein is essential for the building of neurotransmitters. Our body produces
chemicals for the brain that affect energy, mood, focus, and sleep known as
neurotransmitters. The body needs protein for the creation of these chemicals. - Protein is the least likely macronutrient to be stored as body fat. Protein has a high thermic effect, so 30% of the calories consumed from protein are used to break it down. This allows us to eat more of it without storing it.
- Protein increases satiety and keeps us full longer. Eating protein will keep our body nourished, therefore will keep the hunger cues down. This comes in handy when we are eating in a deficit as we can suffer less.
- Protein is essential for a healthy liver. The second phase of proper liver detox, whichis often missed during the typical “cleanse programs”, requires amino acids from protein. This phase includes the removal of heavy metal toxins, excess estrogens, and other contaminants.