The Advantages of Protein - Not Just Muscle Building
A common question from family, friends and co-workers to bodybuilders is as to why ‘that much’ of protein is needed. A rational answer involves an explanation of how protein delivers amino acids to muscle cells so they can grow. Protein has a number of other benefits as well which you should share with them. A little encouragement to consume a little protein could benefit them, not necessarily just to build muscle tissue.
Lower cholesterol
Reducing levels of LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol levels can be done by removing carbohydrates from your diet and replacing them with an identical number of grams of protein. LDL cholesterol is the bad kind while HDL cholesterol is good. Changing diets does not have be anything drastic; it can be as small as swapping two carb sources per day with protein. This provides long term cholesterol lowering effects.
Lower blood pressure
The use of protein to lower blood pressure and reduce hypertension is little known and researched only very recently. Though doubted by most, this belief is actually theoretically sound. If high blood pressure is prevalent, lower your carb intake and replace with protein sources.
Fewer strokes
A higher protein intake and less carbs could mean fewer strokes which are supported by incomplete studies. Additional research on food intake and mortality statistics is needed to support this, and if it does, it could prove to be a huge change in nutritional requirements for health.
Protein does not mean only meat. Do not forget that vegetarian sources of protein like soy provide the same positive effects.
