What is The Relationship Between Protein and Sports?
We always hear about how athletes should consume a lot of protein, but why? What is the relationship between protein and sports? Today we talk about this in more detail, as although we know that you are an expert athlete, it never hurts to have some extra information.
The importance of proteins
Proteins are very important for the body due to the numerous functions that they play. They are a rich source of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, as well as containing lots of essential amino acids for our health.
These are some of proteins functions:
- They form body structures. Proteins play a large role in the formation of muscles, tendons, and tissues of our body. In addition, they also promote the growth of hair and nails, as well as the formation of collagen in the bones.
- They are part of the immune system. Thus, consuming sufficient protein helps us to keep our defenses strong and therefore prevent diseases.
- Proteins are oxygen transporters. They carry oxygen through our body and favor the entry of cells necessary for our body, such as glucose.
- They are used as energy. Our body gets energy from carbohydrates and fats, but when these are not sufficient, the body uses proteins to obtain the necessary energy that it needs.
The relationship between protein and sports
Regardless of whether we play sports or not, we have already seen that proteins are necessary for our body. In the case of athletes, they are essential. Here are some of the reasons why:
Energy provider
As we have seen, proteins supply the energy that the body needs when the number of fats and carbohydrates ingested are less than the energy expended. Obviously, when we practice sports, the consumption of fats and carbohydrates is reduced, but the necessary energy increases.
This is why protein intake is so necessary. It’s the best way to get the necessary energy without accumulating fat. That is why many athletes are encouraged to take protein supplements, to give them an even greater amount of protein.
Feeds the muscles
Burning calories from exercise can cause you to lose muscle mass, if you are not eating correctly. You may want to lose weight and therefore you might do much more cardio than weights. This is one of the reasons why you will need to consume more protein.
As we have previously seen, proteins play a very important role in the formation of muscles, so that an adequate consumption of these will allow you to lose weight without losing muscle mass.
Activate circulation
We have also seen that proteins are oxygen transporters, which are beneficial during the practice of sports, when the blood pumps even faster and the physical effort needed is greater.
A good flow of oxygen will help to keep our circulation active and our heart calmer.
Where to get proteins
Proteins are obtained from meat and fish, as well as from dairy products and eggs. Milk proteins are highly beneficial because they are an efficient amino acid enhancer that increases the synthesis of muscle proteins.
For those athletes who perform intense exercise, it’s recommended to consume additional proteins through specialized supplements.
You see that not only is diet an essential point for any athlete, but the adequate intake of protein is even more so. So, we encourage you to monitor this very well. Let proteins support your achievements, to keep you healthy and fit.
