The benefits of high protein diets
High protein diets are popular among people who are trying to lose weight. The diets usually include restricting carbohydrates completely or offer low carbohydrate eating with high protein foods. The benefits of high protein diets go beyond helping weight loss though. These diets offer other health benefits as well.
High protein diets and weight loss
Curbs the appetite Eating a diet high in protein allows a person to feel fuller much longer than foods rich in carbohydrates and fats. Protein actually works to curb the appetite, diminishing the risk of overeating and snacking later in the day. Increases metabolism Although the body produces protein, protein high foods help to increase the body’s metabolism. When the body needs energy, it turns to carbohydrates. If there are no carbohydrates to be found, the body is forced to burn fat. The body will also convert protein into glucose for energy and it takes more effort to convert protein than carbohydrates and fats, so the body has to work harder. The combination of burning protein and fat instead of carbohydrates is a large factor in rapid weight loss.
Other benefits of a high protein diet
Whilst consuming a dieting plan rich in protein will help you to lose weight, protein has many other benefits. It is a main component in blood, skin, muscles, and bones and in repairing the body. Production of important chemicals Your body needs certain important chemicals in order to maintain a strong immune system, aid in digestion, and to stimulate specific responses from cells. Protein is responsible for helping to build amino acids, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies in the body. Helps clot blood When you cut your skin, the body reacts by clotting the blood and forming scar tissue to heal the wound. In order to do this, a stringy protein called fibrin first forms a clot. Once this is done, collagen, another protein, forms scar tissue to heal the cut. Builds and repairs Protein is called a building block for the body. This is because it is needed for growth and development of your bones, skin, muscles, vital organs, and blood vessels. It is also responsible for external organs such as skin, hair, and nails. Whilst it builds cells, it also helps repair any cell damage, such as burst blood vessels or a bone break.
High protein foods
Whole grains and vegetables have protein, but the main sources of foods which have protein are as follows:
· Meat, fish, and poultry
· Eggs (the protein is in the whites)
· Beans
· Tofu and soy
· Milk
· Yogurt
· Peanut butter
· Almonds
Final word
As you can see, high protein does not have to mean meat. Yogurt, beans, and nuts included in healthy meals offers all the protein your body needs.