Benefits of Soy Protein

Traditionally we were taught that carbs should provide our body with its primary supply of energy. However, many people have confused fast releasing carbohydrates (pasta, cakes) and slow releasing carbs (whole grains, vegetables) eating too many of the former-the tempting, convenient, tasty variety! Most of us lead sedentary lives, so any excess energy from carbohydrate-rich food) is stored as fat. Cereals and toast for breakfast, jacket potato for lunch, pasta for dinner and rice cakes and biscuits for snacks?! We need protein in our diet to stay strong and healthy.

ADD MORE PTOTEIN IN YOUR DIET FOR LESS FAT
If we don’t eat enough protein our bodies will steal it from our muscles and organs. In fact, protein is essential for the development of our muscles, which lead to an increase in the burning of calories. Our muscles could be described as fat furnaces as they keep our metabolism running high. And protein is very good at curbing appetite and balancing blood sugar in contrast to many “fast release” carbohydrate based foods and snacks.

DEFICIENCIES IN THE MODERN DIET INCLUDE PROTEIN, FIBRE AND NUTRIENTS, RARELY CARBS
Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. It is an organic compound, composed of 22 amino acids, otherwise known as the building blocks of life. Protein is stored in muscles and organs, and the body utilizes it to build and repair tissues, as well as for the production of enzymes and hormones.
Protein also makes it possible for blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning the body needs relatively large amounts of it. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that our daily protein requirements should be 10 percent to 35 percent of our total caloric intake, with men needing slightly more than women.

A lack of protein can cause loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, as well as weakening of the heart and respiratory system.

PROTEIN HELPS CONTROL HUNGER
The widespread popularity of a high protein diet due in large part to their ability to help manage hunger. When protein is absorbed, it sends a signal to the brain to decrease your hunger. Another benefit of protein is that it raises your resting metabolism by maintaining muscle mass. As we age, muscle mass decreases without exercise, so staying fit is a key to burning fat by keeping your metabolism high. Protein also leads to a much less rapid rise and fall of blood sugar and insulin, so you avoid the “sugar highs and lows” after eating sweets without adequate protein. Certain foods, however, provide a healthier resource for proteinthan others.

HEALTHY SOURCES OF PROTEIN
If you tried to get all the protein you need from foods such as meats, you would consume too many calories, because these protein rich foods come with extra fat calories. You can obtain healthy sources of soy protein without high levels of saturated fat. For example, soybeans, nuts and whole grains provide protein without much saturated fat and offer plenty of healthful fibre and micronutrients as well. If you’re looking for yet another great way to obtain healthy protein, vegetable sources of soy protein found in Herbalife’s Formula 1 shakes, are high quality and have lower calorie levels with virtually no added fat. Herbalife products personalize your daily protein intake to match your body’s needs. With a variety of protein shakes and snacks, Herbalife’s weight management programme helps you build or maintain lean muscle while providing healthy weight-management support. Now that you’ve increased your knowledge of protein, you can effectively enhance your diet and allow good health to take shape.

Find out more about Soy Protein shakes and Protein Bars.