Why Protein Is For More Than Just Your Muscle
Just like the skincare and wellness industry, the food industry is just as susceptible to fads and trends that come and go faster than you can say ‘Spirulina’.
We are constantly reading about crazy diets that promise to help you lose weight but that are completely unsustainable and are often unsubstantiated (we’re looking at you Cotton Ball Diet). What we really need is actually very simple; a balanced diet consisting of essential macronutrients: protein, fats and carbohydrates.
Having a protein-rich diet is not a new concept and is not something that is going to go out of fashion, but it can be mistaken as a diet reserved for bodybuilders and athletes. The reality is, that we all need adequate levels of protein to maintain a healthy body.
What is protein and why is it so good for you?
Protein is found in every cell of the body, in our muscles, bones, organs, skin and tissues, and is considered the ‘building block of life’. It is a pretty great resource for our bodies and the list of benefits of it is rather long, as it contributes to many of the body’s essential functions. In a nutshell, it provides a source of energy, carries oxygen in our blood, protects the body from infection and promotes growth in children, teens and pregnant women - pretty great huh?
In addition to those fairly awesome benefits, it helps to repair and generate tissues, which is often why athletes consume vast quantities of protein. Which leads me to ask...
How much protein do I need?
Although there are over 10,000 types of protein in the body, we still need to ensure that we have enough of it in our diets, otherwise the body will break down muscle to get what it needs to function instead of protein. As with everything, how much you need varies from person to person, but it is generally influenced by your weight and the amount of exercise you do. Typically, a more active person will need more protein than that of a sedentary one. During exercise, muscles get broken down and damaged, so the amino acids that can be found in protein help them to repair the fibres and promote the growth of new cells.
How do I bring it into my diet?
Another debunked belief is that you have to be an outright carnivore to reach your recommended protein intake - ‘where do you get your protein from’ being one of the all time favourite questions for a vegan or vegetarian. The fact is, that whilst protein is undeniably found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy, there are many plant-based foods that are good sources of protein, such as: nuts, seeds, legumes, grains.
Protein is found in many whole foods, but it can be beneficial to incorporate additional protein to your diet, in the form of supplements. People do this for a variety of reasons, whether it be to increase muscle mass, repair tissue or simply, because it is a more practical way to get your macronutrients in.
Protein powders can be incredibly versatile and lend themselves to more than just your bog standard shake (thanks to the rise of fitness influencers). Form’s protein powders are not only 100% plant based, using pea protein, but also offer a range of flavours from Chocolate Salted Caramel to Toffee. Add a scoop to your morning shake or incorporate into things like porridge and pancakes. You could also try the unflavoured variety for that extra protein punch in cooking or baking!
When it comes to understanding nutrition, it is important to realise that we all have different requirements and that to have a healthy diet we need to have balance. Protein plays a big role in achieving that and incorporating it into our lives has never been easier. The introduction of supplements and protein powders, in addition to wholefoods, means that we can provide our bodies with the essential macronutrients needed for optimal health.
For more information on Form’s protein, as well as other supplements in their range, head to our online shop here and for a deep dive into the wonders of protein check out this free guide: Protein Beyond Muscle.
Written by Rebecca Jackson, Stories Behind Things
