Proteins are one of the most essential components required by the human body to perform various functions. While giving the body energy to perform different activities, proteins also facilitate other major functions like developing and repairing body tissues, fighting infections, regulating hormones and enzymes, etc. Because it is so important, protein deficiency is dangerous to your overall health and can lead to loss of muscle mass and a weakening of the immune system.
Proteins are thus the building blocks of the body and a protein rich diet helps the body in repairing damage caused to the tissues due to work out or any physically taxing activity. For many people, especially vegetarian Indians, it is not possible to get all the body’s protein requirements from natural food. Protein supplements (link to ‘Types of Protein Supplements’) are beneficial to such people.
The protein supplement usually comes in the form of powder. The powder can be blended with either water or milk, or even with fruit juices. It also comes in the form of pills and bars. Protein bars too are gaining in popularity nowadays.
Apart from fulfilling the body’s protein requirements, the advantage of protein supplements is the feeling of satiety you receive as your body works to digest them. This is a great benefit for someone looking to lose weight. Protein supplements can also provide an easy, nourishing meal replacement for dieters.
Here are a few benefits of protein supplements:
Helps in weight loss: Research carried out in India and reputed universities abroad indicate that protein is more satiating than fat or carbohydrates. Simply put, you can eat less (lesser calories) if you are on a protein rich diet. Proteins help you reduce body fat at a faster rate than with carbohydrate rich diet.
Helps in gaining and building-up lean muscle: Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body. Protein supplements provide amino acids, which serve as building blocks for leaner and stronger muscle.
Helps Regulate Essential Hormones: Protein supplements help regulate major hormones like insulin and leptin.
A few other benefits of protein powder include an increase in glutathione levels (the body’s main water-based anti-oxidant) and decrease in triglycerides and the bad cholesterol.
Disadvantages of Protein Supplements
While protein supplements benefit people who do intensive training, they are not without disadvantages. A few of them include:
Reduction in food choices
- Calcium loss
- Detrimental effect on the kidneys if consumed in excess quantity
It is always advisable to consult a nutritionist before you start protein supplements
