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What Is Protein & Its Elements

One of the essential macronutrients that the body utilizes to build muscle mass is protein. The number one source of protein and the most common place to find protein is in animal products. Protein is also found in legumes and nuts as well. Protein is made up of amino acids, and amino acids are composed of the following organic compounds:

• Oxygen
• Carbon
• Nitrogen
• Hydrogen

The Different Types Of Protein

• According to the USDA, the different sources of protein are:
• Nuts
• Meat
• Processed soy products
• Poultry
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Beans

There are also a few different alternative sources of leaner protein: hemp, soy, whey, and protein shakes.

Whey protein is a protein supplement that is usually found in protein powder. When cheese is being made, whey protein is a by-product of this process. Whey protein is almost always used by individuals who work out and are trying to lose weight and build lean muscle mass. In one scoop of whey protein, there are approximately 20 grams of protein.

Protein shakes are a good source of protein, but dietitians do not recommend using protein shakes daily. Dietitians state that protein shakes should be used as a backup for individuals who have trouble obtaining the average amount of proteins from their daily diet. If an individual uses a protein shake, the shake should be low in carbohydrates, low in calories, and have at least 20 grams of proteins.

Hemp protein is a protein made from the hemp plant, so there is no THC present in the protein. Hemp protein is available in three different forms, and they are milk, powder, and seeds. There are about five grams of protein found in each serving and form of hemp protein.

Soy protein is one of the best sources of protein, and it is derived from soybeans. Soy protein can be found in the oil, tofu, miso nuts, milk, and various meat substitutes.

The Importance Of Protein When Working Out

It is essential for individuals who work out to have the proper protein intake because protein provides the body with energy or calories. Proteins are one of the three macronutrients that are needed for every human to sustain life. When an individual is malnourished, the most common way to treat this malnourishment is to provide the individual with the required or extra proteins in his or her diet. In a normal healthy functioning human being, proteins make up around 15 percent of the body weight. When an individual is working out, proteins give that individual's body the needed energy to have an effective workout. Protein helps reduce muscle soreness, boost glycogen storage, and helps with muscle repair. It is recommended that individuals who are active or work out regularly consume some protein at each meal and at various intervals throughout the day.

As you can see proteins are a needed macronutrient that helps humans sustain life. There are also different ways that individuals can obtain protein in their diet. It can be obtained through foods such as nuts, meat, processed soy products, poultry, eggs, and much more. There are also alternative ways to get the proper amount of protein in your diet outside of food, and they are in the form of supplements such as whey protein, hemp protein, soy protein, and protein shakes. These forms of protein are especially needed when it comes to individuals who work out or who are highly active in life. The protein provides these individuals with the calories or energy needed after a workout. Proteins also help these individuals with muscle repair, increases glycogen storage, and reduces muscle soreness.