How clean protein plays a huge role in how well your body functions
By: Kerry Foreman, Owner and Founder of Muskoka Mornings®
There’s a common misconception that protein is used solely to build muscle when in reality protein has a plethora of other exceptional benefits for our bodies. Specifically, No Yolking™ 100% Egg White Protein Powder supports muscle building needs, fat loss goals, maintenance of blood sugar levels, and hair growth. You no longer need to solely look to build mass amounts of muscle in order to benefit from supplementing with protein powder. Whether your goal is to build muscle or maintain an overall healthy body, our clean protein is right for you.
Protein is the most important nutrient your body needs for optimal development. Protein is the foundation of the human body, every living cell, and every construct of a DNA strand. Our bodies use protein to build and repair body tissue, to make enzymes and hormones, and as an important building block of bones, blood, skin, cartilage and muscles. Protein assists in energy metabolism and cellular processes, and also defends the body against disease by boosting immune function.
TOP 5 BENEFITS OF PROTEIN:
- Healing
- Optimizing Immune Function
- Building and Regulating Hormones
- Enzyme Function
- Reducing Body Fat/Weight Loss
Healing
Protein is vital for repairing and healing muscles, after a workout for example. But it’s also essential in the creation of collagen, connective tissues, capillaries and epithelial cells. That means that it’s necessary for healing skin and other body tissues, when you’re recovering from an illness, infection, wound or surgery. If your body is missing protein, that may prolong inflammation, and the time it will take for a wound to close. By adding No Yolking™ 100% Egg White Protein Powder to your meal, you’re ensuring that your body is getting all the essential amino acids it needs to properly heal, repair and recover.
Optimizing Immune Function
Your immune system is made up of proteins, and relies on more proteins to be made in order to function efficiently (protein synthesis). Simply put, if you’re missing protein in your diet, your immune system is weakened. Proteins make up the immunoglobulins (antibodies) of your immune system and are also part of the interferon that support immune system cells and attack viruses, bacteria or other foreign substances in the body.
Why is this important? Well, for every antigen that attacks your body, you have a distinct and separate antibody to fight against it. The antibodies basically “capture” these antigens in order to allow the other immune system cells to destroy them. The antibodies are able to recognize viruses and bacteria which will allow your immune system to respond faster, and rid the body of the foreign material before any true damage is done. Ultimately, that means that without enough protein, the body’s ability to produce antibodies is hindered.
Not getting enough protein can also cause unfavourable effects on your T-cell system. This T-cell system has two major players: the killer T-cells (they destroy cells that are infected with germs or cancer), and the helper T-cells (they “help” arrange the immune response). So, if our T-cell system isn’t working properly, then this will result in more frequent infections within the body. As a side note, the individual amino acid “Arginine” has also been shown as necessary to fight off infections when the immune system is compromised. How do you get more Arginine? Eat more protein, of course!
Building and Regulating Hormones
Hormones are chemicals produced by glands and help signal, coordinate and control activities and functions throughout the body. Protein plays an important role in building certain hormones – peptide or protein hormones. These protein hormones bind to receptors on the outside of cells, and trigger a response inside the cell.
Hormonal proteins, such as insulin, help with the metabolism of glucose and are highly effective in controlling blood sugar concentrations. Hormones can also activate muscle growth by increasing protein synthesis or decreasing protein breakdown. So, if deficient in protein, your body lacks the materials it needs to build and support the hormones within your body.
Enzyme Function
Enzymes are proteins that are used as catalysts to speed up or reduce the activation of chemical reactions within our body. Enzymes help with thousands of biochemical reactions performed by our bodies. They play a role in actions such as muscle contractions, nerve impulse transmissions and the breaking down of molecules. The enzyme ATPase is needed for breaking down adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which releases energy. ATP is the chemical energy that all cells in our body use. Lipase, for example, is an enzyme that helps you to digest dietary fat. Lactase is a well-known enzyme which will catalyze the milk sugar or lactose metabolism in your intestine to help digestion. Without enzymes, the reactions in our body would occur too slowly to keep us alive!
Reducing Body Fat
When looking to maintain good overall health, body weight often plays a large part. Egg white protein powder can not only help build muscle, but it can also help with fat loss. If your goal is to build muscle, consume protein within 30 minutes after your workout for the best muscle building results. We also recommend focusing on weightlifting rather than cardio workouts when trying to build muscles. A great way to incorporate protein right after your workout is to add it into a smoothie for a deliciously refreshing treat. Try our Feel Good Super Smoothie or Carrot Cake smoothie for an added energy boost post-workout.
However, if you are on the flip side and are looking to focus on fat loss within your fitness journey, we recommend amping up your breakfast by adding in No Yolking™ 100% Egg White Protein Powder, to ensure you stay fuller for longer. It can be as simple as adding protein to your morning smoothie or latte. I specifically like to make our Iced Vanilla Matcha Protein Latte to enjoy on a hot summer morning or our Pumpkin Spice Protein Latte to start a chilly fall day.
Another great option to help with fat loss is to make protein-filled snacks to quench hunger and keep you full throughout the day. We have some great protein-packed snack recipes on our website including the popular 4-Seed Protein Bars and Double Chocolate Banana Protein Muffins. For the best results on your fat-loss journey, we also recommend focusing on cardio workouts including running, biking, long walks, or HITT workout classes. Having a protein treat before these workouts can also give you a much needed boost of energy to keep you fuelled and focused throughout the workout.
Weight loss is achieved when you take in less calories than normal. Rather than restricting calories, be conscious of your food decisions, and be sure to include clean protein, such as No Yolking™ 100% Egg White Protein Powder, in every meal. Protein is a valued source of energy with only four calories per gram. We experience slower digestion after eating protein-rich foods, because it takes a while for your body to break down protein. That, in turn, will help make you feel fuller for longer; reducing temptation to snack or binge, and avoiding adding unnecessary calories to your day.
Protein also has the highest thermic effect when comparing macronutrients. That means you’re actually burning more calories to process the protein than you would with carbohydrates or fats. Additionally, only around 80% of the calories from protein is absorbed (which leads to less calories being consumed overall). So, you’ll be able to consume a greater amount of protein than either carbohydrates or fats without putting on body fat (when comparing calories to calories).
On top of these commonly known benefits, egg white protein powder also provides many more benefits that often get forgotten about. Firstly, protein can help regulate our blood sugar levels which in turn will reduce fatigue, increase energy levels, and improve mood and brain health. In our body, protein is broken down into amino acids, which can help with muscle synthesis or be converted into glucose in the liver. Because of this, it is especially important for diabetic individuals to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
However, it is also important to understand how much protein your body needs and the types of protein it needs, as too much protein can have an opposite effect. One study we looked at, showed that high-protein diets can have varied results depending on the type of protein you consume. In this study, very high-protein diets resulted in an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in both men and women. These high-protein diets consisted of mostly animal protein and specifically red meats and processed meats.
As always, what foods you put into your body has the biggest impact on how it works for you. Protein plays a huge part in a healthy lifestyle, so start by incorporating No Yolking™ 100% Egg White Protein Powder into your morning latte, afternoon protein shake or smoothie and everyday meals and snacks. We even have some simple and delicious ways to add No Yolking™ to your treats!
