Protein = build muscle. Any other function?

Hello Everyone! I am back and super excited to get this blog going again!

As previously mentioned, we are going to get down to the basic's about protein and fats.... there is SOOOOOOOOO much basic information I am going to have to write about FATS next week! Well, let’s get this protein discussion going!

Protein

1.  Is used PRIMARILY to build and repair body tissues and structures (i.e. muscles).
2. Is made up of essential and nonessential amino acids (amino acids the body cannot produce, amino acids the body can produce respectively). Now, when digested amino acids can be used three different ways. 1) Help in the building or repairing of body tissues and structures, 2) immediate energy OR 3) potential energy (fat). My next question is…when would amino acids (protein) be used for repair and building? When would it be used as immediate energy? Finally, when would it be used as potential energy? I would like to know, wouldn't you? Let's take a look!

When would amino acids be used as immediate energy?

1. When the carbohydrate or total energy intake (calories) is too low.

• If you are not eating enough carb's or not eating enough in general, your protein intake may then be used for immediate energy...Let's say you are trying to lose weight and build lean muscle (tone up). As discussed previously, energy exerted must be more than the energy (calories) taken in. So...of course you are going to eat less but don't starve yourself as this is going to negatively affect your goals! WE DON'T WANT THAT RIGHT? Remember, you need food that will keep you full i.e. foods with high fiber, whole wheat, lean meats, see previous blog!)...

When would it be used as potential energy (fat)?

1. When protein intake is TOO high

• If you are on a high protein diet (more than 30% of your caloric intake). Your body is most likely taking in too much protein and will look to store it as fat. Yes, you still need protein in your diet and probably more because, if your goal is to build muscle or lean muscle, then protein at an increased level is needed, but don't exaggerate it. Remember, carb's are the chief energy for all body functions and muscular exertion.

When is it used to rebuild body tissue and structures?

1. When the intake of carbohydrates and fat satisfy the majority of energy needs by the body.

• The recommended intake of protein is .8 grams per kilograms a day (15 - 30% total caloric intake), carbohydrates are 50-70% of total caloric intake and fats are 10-30% of total caloric intake.

There is much more to learn about protein but these are the basics. You can do more research online regarding high-protein diets and the health affects. I would suggest reading a few articles because yes, you will lose weight initially, but most of that weight lost will be water weight. Plus your body’s organs are affected. For example your kidney will have to work harder, your body lose essential vitamins/minerals….see source noted below!
NEXT WEEK...IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FAT!
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/wheres-the-beef-wheres-the-health-benefit
NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training Third edition