There are many popular weight loss diets such as the Atkins diet, the Bullet diet, and the HMR diet, but did you know that there is evidence suggesting that consuming more protein and less fat may actually help you to lose weight? It turns out that protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass which aids in weight loss, and recent studies have shown that increasing your daily intake of protein can help to improve many aspects of your life, not just your weight.
Why Should You Try Increasing Your Protein Intake?
If you’re looking for a way to shed some pounds, there are plenty of low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet plans available which help you to rid your body of excess fat. One of the most popular and successful weight loss diets is the Atkins diet, which promotes a high intake of protein and vegetables while restricting food items such as chocolate, potatoes, and bread. If you’re looking to improve your health and well-being, there are a host of benefits to be gained from increasing your daily protein intake, as discussed below.
Protein Helps To Maintain Muscle Mass
It is well established that eating proteins provides your body with important nutrients which help to maintain muscle mass. The amino acids in protein are required to manufacture muscle tissue, and insufficient dietary intake of these amino acids can lead to a decrease in muscle mass. One of the major advantages of consuming more protein is that it helps to maintain your muscle mass and strength; hence, helping to keep you active and independent as you get older. Many people with osteoporosis find that eating more protein improves their bone strength and reduces the risk of fractures.
Protein Provides Energy
There is also evidence to suggest that consuming more protein can help to provide your body with additional energy, particularly if you are dieting. The macronutrient is required to make more energy available to your metabolism, and depending on the type of protein you consume (e.g., red meat vs. white meat), you may notice that you require additional energy. Furthermore, some individuals suggest that eating a few protein-rich foods (e.g., eggs, chicken, nuts) at snack time helps to keep blood sugar levels stable which provides you with additional energy throughout the day. However, ensure that you are not eating too many high-protein foods at one time which can cause kidney damage (i.e., overload).
Protein Can Help To Improve Your Mental Acuity
Did you know that there are significant benefits to be gained from increasing your daily protein intake? There is emerging science which suggests that protein can help to improve your mental acuity. For example, one study found that participants who consumed a higher protein diet experienced significant improvements in spatial and episodic memory while another study reported similar findings regarding the effect of protein on long-term memory. Remember, protein is important for many body functions so it’s best to get your daily requirement by eating a variety of foods which contain this vital nutrient.
Protein Can Help To Improve Your Digestion
Did you know that protein can help improve your digestion? There is evidence to suggest that consuming more protein can help to optimize the absorption of nutrients from food, particularly when it comes to calcium and vitamin D which are both important for bone health. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that protein can help to stimulate certain enzymes which help to break down food which subsequently improves nutrient absorption and alleviates constipation. What’s more is that some individuals note that a high-protein diet helps to prevent acid reflux and ulcers which are both problems that can arise from poor digestion.
Protein Can Help To Prevent Disease
There are numerous diseases which can be prevented by a healthy diet, and protein is an essential part of any diet which helps to prevent many illnesses and diseases. One of the most significant benefits of a high-protein diet is that it can help to prevent type 2 diabetes, liver disorders, and heart disease. The macronutrient plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and has a positive effect on cholesterol levels which reduces the risk of heart disease. Many doctors also recommend that people with type 2 diabetes try to consume more protein in order to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. What’s more is that studies have shown that people who consume a high-protein diet have a lower rate of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
So, you might be wondering, does protein make you lose weight or does it help to prevent weight loss? It really depends on how you consume the macronutrient. There are several health reasons why you might want to increase your protein intake, and depending on your goals, you may want to consider one of the popular high-protein diets available today.