5 Reasons You Might Need More Protein
- Type 2 Diabetes.
High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets reduce fasting blood sugar levels, lower after-meal insulin response and improve overall long-term blood sugar control. - Heart Disease.
High-protein, low-carb diets also reduce risk factors for heart disease by lowering blood pressure, cutting total cholesterol, boosting “good” high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increasing the size of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, making them less prone to the oxidation that damages arteries. - Bone Health.
Although protein’s effect on calcium balance and bone health is controversial, a higher protein intake seems to be inked to greater bone mass and fewer fractures as long as calcium intake is adequate. - Muscle Preservation.
Eating more protein plus engaging in strength exercises may be the best way to minimize the gradual loss of muscle that accompanies aging (sarcopenia). Muscle loss impairs balance, increasing the risk of falling. - Weight Control.
Eating protein rich foods keeps hunger at bay. Experts say getting 30 percent of calories as protein may curb appetite via the brain chemical leptin.
Notable Notes:
- A high-protein intake is detrimental to people with declining kidney or liver function.
- Don’t over-do calories; otherwise, extra protein is simply converted to body fat.
