The Health Benefits of Protein and Whey Protein

Protein is an important nutrient needed by everyone on a daily basis. Protein is made up of essential and non-essential amino acids, which are the "building blocks" for healthy bodies. Protein has a number of different roles in the body including the following:

• Repair body cells
• Build and repair muscles and bones
• Provide a source of energy
• Control many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism
  

The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. However, the body is not able to make essential amino acids and the only way to get them is by eating high quality protein foods. Protein sources that contain all of the essential amino acids are called complete proteins.

All Protein foods are not created equal and can vary in a number of ways including the following:

• Number and quantity of essential amino acids
• Digestion and absorption rates
• Fat content
• Taste
• Purity
  

Protein exists in virtually everything that moves and makes sounds, or in almost any animal. Primary dietary protein sources include fish, eggs, chicken, pork, beef, venison, buffalo and many other wild animals.
But which is the best source of protein? The best protein is what Mother Nature provides on earth. No protein powder will never come close to animals, nuts, seeds, or grains. Natural proteins deliver more quality nutrients to your body than any protein powder ever could. Still, protein powders do have their place. (Recovery)
Your primary source of protein should be meat, fish, poultry, eggs and other seafood. The protein source should be organic and grass-fed, free-range or wild. These furnish the body with the highest quality protein, provided that they are not cooked, or cooked very lightly, because heat denatures protein (kills proteins).
Other sources include commercial meats, farm-raised fish, and other genetically modified organisms like soy. Protein also can be found in other foods like nuts, legumes, some veggies and certain grains. However, your best sources of protein for packing on the muscle are organic meat and fish.

Protein shakes or meal replacements should be the last place you should look to fulfill your body's protein requirements. Although they can be beneficial, remember, nothing beats Mother Nature's proteins - not even a scientist-developed protein - for making you healthy and strong. Protein supplements are particularly useful for vegans, vegetarians and non-meat eaters, as well as for people with problems digesting heavy proteins or whose lifestyle prevents them from consuming proteins during the day.

A protein drink or meal-replacement shake is a great morning meal for those get-up-and-go types who only are short on time but understand how important breakfast is to losing fat and gaining muscle. Breakfast is the most important meal of any healthy diet, so a quick protein shake is a must for people who just don't have time to prepare a good breakfast.However, we all should make the time occasionally to prepare a good breakfast.

The best protein powders or shakes are made from egg or whey. Use casein, protein from dairy products, sparingly. Avoid soy proteins, as these are the cheapest products you can buy and typically are genetically modified. Genetic modification means scientists have altered the organism from its natural state, a practice discouraged by most non-soy-paid scientists. Do your own independent research if you like, but always consider the source. Take with a grain of salt the comments of "specialists" who are paid by companies to say theirs is the best stuff for your body.

Remember, these are general protein recommendations you will still need to consult with your physician.

One last note: All the protein in the world won't help you if your body is deprived of other nutrients, such as essential vitamins and minerals. For optimal health, make sure you consume enough protein, eat organic and supplement with a great multivitamin.

Rich Harper