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Our bodies use protein as a major source of material for building and
repairing blood, muscles, bones, teeth, skin, hair, nails, and your internal
organs. Protein got its name from a Greek word meaning "of primary
importance."
Proteins are made up of smaller molecules called amino acids. Humans need
a total of 22 different amino acids to form all of its necessary
protein. Human bodies can make many of them, but 8 of them can be
obtained only
through food. These 8 are called the essential amino acids.
They are tryptophan, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
Most protein foods of animal origin such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs,
cheese, and milk, contain all of the essential amino acids and are therefore
called complete proteins. Proteins found in vegetables are usually lacking
one or more of the essential amino acids, so they are called incomplete
proteins. However, you can combine 2 incomplete vegetable proteins to make
a very high quality complete protein.
Eating enough protein is essential for many bodily functions. Recent studies
suggest that dietary protein needs increase with rigorous physical exercise.
For athletes, getting sufficient protein means maximum muscle development
and recovery.
Because physically active persons need more protein than
a sedentary individual, a diet that is lacking in protein may lead
to catabolism, a process when your body will break down its own muscle
tissue to get the
protein it needs for survival.
Although you can ingest protein at any time, many people prefer their
protein supplements around their workouts or first thing in the morning.
Protein powder digests easily and is assimilated into our bloodstream faster
than solid foods.
The absolute best time to take protein is immediately before and after
your work out. Ingesting a fast acting protein such as whey 30 minutes
prior to and then immediately after physical activity assures greater
protein uptake into muscle cells.
Another great time to use protein is immediately upon waking. During the
night, our body has been fasting and enters a catabolic state. Mixing whey
with water offers the fastest digestion, this makes it the preferred method
of getting protein in the morning.
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