Why Prioritize Protein?

Do you struggle with hair loss, poor skin quality, brittle nails, or low muscle mass? ​

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During our Nutrition seminar I explained why protein is so essential to our health (Watch the clip above)! 

At its core, protein serves as the building block for both the structure and function of our bodies. It’s made up of twenty different amino acids, nine of which are essential (EAA’s) and must be obtained through our diet since our bodies can’t produce them on their own.
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When we don’t consume enough protein, our body shifts its focus from growth to survival, using whatever protein we do eat for critical functions like keeping our organs running. As a result, our mental and physical capabilities can be compromised. Nutrient deficiencies not only increase the risk of mental health challenges but also lead to the physical degradation of hair, skin, nails, muscles, and bones.

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In order to truly thrive, we need to give our bodies the raw materials they need. Low-protein diets can lead to diminished physical performance and overall health. This is where animal protein shines – it offers the highest bi oavailability of nutrients with fewer calories. Bioavailability refers to how efficiently our bodies break down food and absorb nutrients during digestion, and our digestive systems are optimized for processing animal products.​

Plant proteins, while beneficial, have lower digestibility scores due to their incomplete amino acid profiles and other compounds that can interfere with gut health. That’s not to say plants don’t have a role in our diet, but they shouldn’t be relied upon as our main protein source. Interestingly, animals like ruminants can up-cycle the nutrients from plants, which makes animal products nutrient-dense when we consume them.

The chart above shows the bioavailability of protein across various sources. The main thing to note is that while some of the plant proteins seem high these scores do not account for antinutritional factors such as tannins, lectins, and other inhibitors which decrease the number of amino acids that make it into our bloodstream. ​

Some of the essential nutrients we acquire best from animal sources include:

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin A
• EPA & DHA
• Heme Iron
• Creatine
• Carnosine
• Taurine
• Anserine
• Vitamin D3
• Zinc
  

Each of these nutrients plays a vital role in keeping us mentally sharp and physically strong. Prioritizing high-quality animal protein in our diet ensures that we give our bodies what they need to function at their best.

Remember to aim for 1-1.2 grams of protein/lb of ideal body weight each day! 

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If you are someone who can relate to the message above I want to hear from you. You don’t have to continue struggle with weight loss and the downstream health effects it has on your body. Reach out to me and get ready to take back your health.

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