I would wish to introduce this article by articulating that I will attack the use of a protein supplement from a distinct point of view than the ussual: “let’s make a lot of muscle mass”. While bodybuilders are clearly responsible for the initiation of protein supplements into mainstream use they have used it for a single minded purpose. I am here to point out some other things you might not recognise.

Let me start by asking you a question. Why do you think a protein supplement is such a big help in building muscle? One answer that might not have jumped to mind is that: quality protein promotes good health. When is the last time you saw an unhealthy individual packing on a huge set of guns? How many buffed guys do you know that have health problems? Not that many I would wager, and this is because protein helps build up your body and you need to be at least marginally healthy before you can get some really big muscles.

Before going forward I would like to say that despite the fact I think most body builders are intelligent and health consious people, I think that their goal of building muscle at all costs subverts their bodies. While I do notice that some do not fall into this category I would wish to waen you to never pursue bodybuilders advice to the letter, even when it comes to constructing and maintaining muscle mass. That being said I consider that a protein supplement is understandably one of the most useful health promoting instruments to ever come out of the bodybuilding culture.

The purpose of this article is to get you to realize that using a protein supplement has umpteen other benefits besides the ease of puting on muscle.

Let’s get going:

Protein is THE macro nutrient as far as your body is concerned. Some of the functions that protein has are:

*structural (cells are made up of many types of protein)
*making hormones (hormones are crucial for your body for a variety of reasons, will be further expanded upon)
*IGF-1 and Growth Hormone regularisation (these hormones are critical for the maintenance of health)
*maintaining anabolism (protein is an anabolic macro nutrient, this signifies that it stimulates growth and suppresses tissue breakdown)
*metabolism (is fostered through many routes, from hormone modulation, to neurotransmiter buildup and even through the fact that protein is tougher to digest and therefore requires of your metabolism to increase its yield of energy)
*stimulates satiation (protein it is the most hunger quenching nutrient)
*ameliorating insulin sensitivity (this is merely because neither fat, nor protein causes the release of insulin – except in very small quantities)
*it can aid you get lean by increasing the calorie percent of your diet that is derived from protein

A protein supplement, let me reword that, a quality protein supplement used every day with the aim of increasing the total percentage of your calories that is ingested from protein is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to benefit your health.

One thing that you have to recognise is that things like hormone regulation and metabolic processes stimulation translate into many other benefits.

In a nutshell

By eating more protein your body makes and preserves lean tissue mass easier. This translates into a lower blood pressure (lower risk of heart attack and headaches). This means that your life is easier — you don’t perspire and start puffing at the sight of stairs. It healps you loose weight which makes getting around easier.

It also causes you to look well. Think healthy looking skin, a trim body, a bright face and a smile for everyone (hey, if you’re  feeling good you do feel like smiling).

Your brain will also function more effectively. This is because the amino acids in protein are utilized to create neurotransmiters. These impact the way you feel, act and even how well you learn. Also hold in mind that you can expect better bone density and reinforced immune function.

This article has taught you some of the benefits that you can anticipate from utilising a high quality protein supplement.

Remember to visit: Protein Supplement Guide

I highly advocate this article on picking out  a protein supplement

I also highly recommend this article, my unique contribution to the protein supplement debate, blood type and the protein in your protein supplement: Best Protein and Blood