Whey
Protein
Health
Bites on
WheyProtein 100% Natural Whey Protein Powder
Why do we need protein everyday?
We need protein every day to ensure healthy functioning of our body’s
immune system; adequate production of hormones and enzymes; optimal
repair and development of muscle, bone and other body tissues.
How much protein does everyone
need?
When it comes to protein requirements, there is no “One Size
Fits All.” Everyone has individual protein requirements based
on their general state of health and activity level. Minimum requirements
set by the World Health Organization (WHO) are .75 grams of good
quality protein per kilogram of body weight. This means that a person
with a normal weight of 70 kilograms needs about 50 grams of protein
in the daily diet. These minimum levels do not take into account
the increased protein requirements of many people of all ages.
When is protein supplementation
required?
Controlled studies have shown that many individuals require increased
protein intake if they are: engaged in regular physical exercise;
endurance athletes; convalescing (recovering from an illness or
injury); restricting carbohydrate intake; weight-training; building
lean body mass and reducing body fat; experiencing muscle weakness;
children engaged in regular sports; children with low growth rates.
Important
Facts about Protein
• There is more protein in our body than any other substance
except water.
• Protein is required for the normal development of all body
organs and tissues including:
• Muscles • Blood • Hair • Nails • Bones
• Nerves • Heart
• Brain • Skin
• Protein is required to produce hormones which regulate:
• Growth • Sexual development
• Metabolic rate (the rate at which calories are burned)
• Protein regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the body.
• Protein maintains proper water balance in the body.
• Protein is necessary for the formation of enzymes required
for all bodily functions.
• Protein helps form antibodies essential to the healthy functioning
of the immune system.
• Protein is needed for the production of mother’s milk.
• Protein is required in the process of normal blood-clotting.
• Inadequate protein intake can lead to:
• Growth abnormalities • Impaired tissue development
• Problems with hair, skin, nails
• Low energy and fatigue • Mental depression
• Muscle weakness (including heart)
• Low resistance to infections due to immune deficiency
• Slow healing of wounds • Slower recovery from disease
• Decreased nutrient transport in the body
• Hair loss • Prematurely gray hair • Joint inflammation
• Every gram of protein has 4 calories; every gram of carbohydrate
also has 4 calories, and every gram of fat contains 9 calories.
• Large molecules of proteins are broken down during digestion
into their simpler building block units called amino acids.
• Protein loss occurs due to:
• Stress • Surgery • Hemorrhage • Wounds
• Strenuous physical exercise
• Prolonged illnessNutritional Information
Source: Kirshman, Gayla J., John D. Nutrition Almanac. McGraw-Hill,
1996
|
