What are the types of proteins and how do they help us to have a good workout?
Our body requires many types of protein to function properly . However, although it is capable of creating them itself, it would not do so in the quantity we need without some external nutritional help. And if we talk about sports and exercise, a larger amount is needed. So, below, we will tell you a little about what they are, which ones you should consume more often and their benefits.
What role do proteins play in the body?
Proteins, made up of many amino acids, are responsible for keeping cells in perfect condition and making tissues stronger and growing.
As an exercise aid, a sports supplement contains proteins , since muscles are torn when performing physical activity. Therefore, in order for the muscle to return to its normal state and grow, a high content of proteins and amino acids is needed.
So, proteins can:
- Repair body tissues using special amino acids.
- They can help protect our body from viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies.
- They transport nutrients throughout the body.
- They produce enzymes that help metabolize food and other chemical reactions in the body.
Depending on our daily diet, our body will be more or less capable of creating certain types of proteins . So now it's time to talk about their variations, where they can be obtained and which one best serves as a nutritional support for sports.
Types of proteins and how they help us as a dietary supplement
Proteins themselves are not classified as “types” but rather, where we can obtain them. So, this element can be found in:
- Products of animal and plant origin
- Artificially synthesized in the laboratory.
- Our body produces them by converting some amino acids.
Products of animal and plant origin
Meat and many vegetables and fruits contain huge amounts of amino acids, which are capable of providing you with a completely healthy diet.
As long as you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and some good meats, your body will be able to form all types of protein in good proportion. However, if you want to gain muscle, this is a dietary method that, although useful, can be slower , since it does not provide a large amount of the amino acids that repair muscle tissue.
Artificially synthesized
A nutritional supplement that is designed for sports will provide you with a good amount of amino acids that will be converted into repairing proteins. This is perfect for gaining muscle mass and acquiring greater resistance in sports.
This is the most recommended type, but when it comes to exercise. Although there are many supplements designed for good nutrition, for the growth of children and so on…
Product of our organism\
The first thing you need to know is that our body can create the right proteins to keep us healthy . However, it is something that requires a very high energy expenditure. So it is not something that works for exercise without consuming something rich in amino acids before training.
What happens here is that the body transforms some amino acids, such as alanine, into others that can perform different functions. It just cannot produce everything and in small quantities.
So, for a balanced diet, the best option is fruits, vegetables and meats. While if you want to exercise and gain muscle, supplements are an excellent option.
The benefits of protein before and after exercise
Now that you know what type of protein is best for exercise, we will tell you about all the benefits of protein both before and after moderate and vigorous physical activity.
- Repair and enlarge muscles: There is nothing else that can repair and enlarge muscles like protein. In fact, it may be the only way to do it. So the more protein supplements you consume, the more muscle mass you will have. Of course, you should add plenty of exercise and don't eat too much, so you don't get sick.
- Consuming it gives a good feeling of satiety: if you are going to take a sports supplement, you may only need one shake to feel full. This means that you do not get stomach pain when you exercise because you have eaten too much. In addition, it helps you not consume more calories than you should.
- Proteins are not easily metabolized: this means that in order for your body to digest proteins, you must exercise a lot to burn calories. This way, you can lose those extra pounds while strengthening your muscles. Remember that you should still consume all food groups in appropriate amounts.
- Prevents you from losing the muscle you've already gained: It's important to know that once you've gained muscle, you have to maintain it either by exercising or eating well. Proteins in sports supplements can help you maintain that muscle mass without having to do a lot of physical activity.
- It helps your body in general: it doesn't just focus on muscles, it can also improve your internal organs, your digestion and many other things. In fact, proteins do almost all the work, there are many of them and they all serve different tasks.
- They are good in the short and long term: in the short term it helps improve your digestion and overall health, but if you consume it regularly, you can have a better nervous system, better cellular and organ function, and improvements in all your tissues and so on…
How much protein is healthy to consume?
In reality, the amount of protein you should consume can vary depending on your gender, your physical condition, age and some pathologies. So, in these cases there is a generic value recommended by nutritionists. You can see this reflected in the supplements you buy. Also, if you are going to have a much more rigorous intake, it is best to undergo a medical check-up . This, so that they can tell you what amount is totally healthy for you. Not all organisms are the same and do not react in the same way.
And as a conclusion, you can rest assured that protein is something you should always consume. Whether you want to gain muscle or not, there are many types of protein or food supplements that can fit your lifestyle.