“I can’t hit my protein goal…one hundred boiled eggs!”
Alongside the rise of gym and wellness culture, the spotlight has been brought upon nutrition, more specifically protein intake. We see this taking place in the grocery store nowadays with brands coming out with a ‘high protein’ version and with gym supplement brands like musashi having a rise in sales.
But contrary to what gymtok has to say; do you really need so much protein?
Now let’s not deny the amazing benefits of protein: Tissue and Organ Function, Immune Wound Healing, Bone and Joint Health, Brain Health, Metabolism Enhancement etc… and that’s just touching the surface. But the main reason why protein is having its 5 minutes of fame is its muscle building and repair functions.
This is because muscles are made of protein. Muscle tissue is primarily made up of proteins like actin and myosin. When you exercise (especially lifting weights or running), small tears happen in your muscle fibers. Protein provides the amino acids needed to repair those tears.
Your body breaks down the protein you eat into amino acids, which are like building blocks. These amino acids are used to repair and rebuild the damaged muscle fibers, and muscle repair then equates to muscle growth.
But the problem isn’t with the benefits of protein but the over intake of protein.
Eating too much protein can cause issues like dehydration, bad breath, and constipation. In some cases, especially for people with existing kidney conditions, it can put added stress on the kidneys. Relying too heavily on protein can also lead to an unbalanced diet if it takes the place of important foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
While protein is important for muscle repair and health, having too much can be harmful. Many people across the globe already eat more protein than they need, but North Americans — especially in the U.S. and Canada — are known for their high intake. Most of their protein comes from animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs, rather than plant-based sources.
Excessive protein consumption is also wrecking the planet. This is because meat and dairy production accounts for upward of one fifth of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
Now, don’t get me wrong, protein is so important for a healthy human body and a high protein intake is especially essential for athletes and active individuals. But beware that this ‘proteinification’ may just be another fad and you indeed do not need to get 250g of protein on the daily. Instead focus on a balanced diet with fibre, fats, carbs and of course protein.
Thursday 19th June
Written by Bianca Hu
Photo from adobe stock images
Graph from Vox: You’re probably eating way too much protein
