Your body needs enough protein to work properly, and My Neat Health offers several tasty products to help ensure you get the recommended daily intake of protein. Understanding protein – why it's important, how much is enough, etc. – can help you make healthier decisions.
What is Protein?
The U.S. National Library of Medicine states, "Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs."
Proteins are made up of amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are amino acids that your body naturally produces, and essential amino acids are amino acids your body cannot produce. Also, your body excretes excess proteins it cannot store. Therefore, you need to include enough of the essential amino acids in your diet and continually replenish them for your body to function properly.
7 Science-Based Benefits of Protein
Many studies show that a high-protein diet offers many benefits. Here are seven science-based benefits from Healthline:
- Reduces appetite and hunger to help you eat fewer calories
- Increases muscle mass and strength
- Boosts metabolism and increases fat burning
- Helps maintain weight loss
- Improves bone health and lowers the risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps your body repair itself after injury
What is Protein Deficiency?
Not consuming enough protein can cause what is known as a protein deficiency. Common symptoms of a protein deficiency include the following:
- Swelling in your abdomen, legs, feet, and hands caused by a build-up of fluids
- Brittle or thinning hair
- Dry and flaky skin
- Deep ridges on your fingernails
- Weakness and fatigue – especially if you're 55 or older
- Hunger
- Slow-healing injuries and illnesses
How Much Protein Does Your Body Need?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to protein requirements, which is why it is always best to consult with your doctor before changing your diet. Factors that affect the amount of protein your body needs include age, activity level, health, etc.
The National Library of Medicine offers the following recommended dietary allowance of Protein:
- A healthy adult with minimal physical activity – 1.0 g protein per kg body weight per day
- A healthy adult with moderate physical activity – 1.3 g protein per kg body weight per day
- A healthy adult with intense physical activity – 1.6 g protein per kg body weight per day
Eating Well reports, "Americans' protein consumption is skewed: We typically skimp on protein in the morning and load up in the evening." My Neat Health's High Protein Breakfasts are the perfect way to start your day off right.
Can a High-Protein Diet be Harmful?
There are two common concerns about a high-protein diet - that it can be harmful to your kidneys and that it can cause osteoporosis. If your kidneys are healthy, a high-protein diet should not affect kidney health. However, if you have pre-existing kidney disease, a high-protein diet may not be a good choice.
The National Library of Medicine states, "There is no evidence that high protein intake per se would be detrimental for bone mass and strength." However, they recommend avoiding a very high protein diet (more than 2.0 g/kg body weight per day) when associated with low calcium intake.
How Can You Get the Recommended Daily Intake of Protein?
Protein can be found in foods such as lean meats, chicken, eggs, and milk; however, a recent study published by the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging, states that more than one in three American adults 50-plus aren't getting enough protein.
My Neat Health products can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Our Meal Replacement Bars and Meal Replacement Shakes include the optimum nutrition levels – including protein – your body needs.