Why Protein?

Nutrition
1

Hi there,

 I remember learning that eating protein is more constructive to having a healthier body...  For someone trying to lose weight, he/she should try jacking up their protein intake and reducing their carbohydrates, why is that?

 I swear I remember reading something about protein requiring more "energy" to digest than carbs but can't remember for sure.  Do any of you know of an article here that talks about that?  It's been several years since I think I read it.

Thanks.

2

Protein is important while dieting for 2 reasons. The Thermic Effect of Protein is upwards of 25-30%, meaning that if you eat 25g(100 cals) you will burn 25-30 cals JUST storing it. This is akin to reving up the metabolism and increasing overall caloric expenditure.

Protein also has a nitrogen group on it(this nitrogen group is actually why it is so thermic), and when it is cleaved off by the body it keeps blood nitrogen levels high… Who cares?? Well, if you nitrogen levels are low your body will look to other sources for it… Now where are there ample supplies of amino acids(which contain nitrogen)?? Ahh yes, our muscles. Bye bye biceps, we need those amino acids for rissue repair.

So in short, protein increases metabolism through its thermic effect and has a muscle sparing effect due to its nitrogen content.

I believe the above info is correct, if anyone with more knowledge that I have posts below me to the contrary I will edit this post accordingly.

Also… Just search for it with the “Search” button on top.

3

Good post by Lonnie123!!!

IronHell, you’re remembering correctly. Quoting Berardi, “Increased Thermic Effect of Feeding – While all macronutrients require metabolic processing for digestion, absorption, and storage or oxidation, the thermic effect of protein is roughly double that of carbohydrates and fat. Therefore, eating protein is actually thermogenic and can lead to a higher metabolic rate. This means greater fat loss when dieting and less fat gain during overfeeding.”

Here’s a good link to get you started … http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=460708 but any of Berardi’s articles are good.

4

Sweeeeeeet =]

Thank you thank you!

5

OK TT and Lonnie… you all are no fun leaving nothing for me to answer LOL

Phill