Protein drinks are drinks with high protein content. They are made by adding a protein source to fluids. There are also protein powders available in drug stores and groceries. They are considered food and nutrient supplements. With the popularity of protein drinks and powders, are these drinks beneficial or detrimental to our health.
Proteins are indeed necessary for our body. Protein helps in building muscles, skins, hairs, nails and internal organs. There are twenty amino acids needed for the human body to grow. Eight amino acids are produced by our body. They are necessary and should be present in the food we eat. While, the other twelve amino acids are manufactured within the body.
Manufactures and some study showed that after a protein drinks are necessary to drink after intense exercise or training where muscle tissues are damaged. Protein is needed and necessary to repair muscles after physical exertion. Therefore, it is imperative that a person who is exercising intensely should consume more protein.
But there are contrasting beliefs. There are some studies that agree that resistance and endurance training can really break down muscle protein and increase the need for protein consumption. But even so, there is no need to consume protein drinks. Why?
During intense exercise, there is an increased need for calories which is proportional to increase need of protein. So, when the amount of food that you eat increases, so does your calorie intake and your protein intake increases proportionally. Eating plant foods like vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts can get you the protein amount you need without drinking protein shakes and powders.
There are some studies concerning protein shakes and powders. These studies showed that when whey protein is added to rat diet, there is a relative increase of tumors and cancers. That is why most researchers and health care professionals, show concern on the high consumption of protein supplements.
But both sides agree that protein drinks should never be the only source of protein. As mentioned, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains can amount into about 50 grams of protein per 1000 calories. Consuming green vegetables would give you the needed protein without heart and cancer risks. Also, animal products are good sources of protein.
Aside from the protein that you will get from these vegetables, you also get natural antioxidants that can protect you against other risks of heart diseases, hypertension and cancer.
Too much is never too wise. In a survey, the East German Olympic team of 1964, which are composed of 600 athletes, there are less than 10 people alive today. Muscular growth and increased body mass with the aid of supplements and steroids increased the factors for heart attacks and other diseases in the long run. This served as a reminder for us, we need to consider the long tern effects of what we are consuming, eating or drinking right now.
Protein drinks and other kinds of supplements can definitely have an impact on out health. It could be bad or good. We should always consider the long term effects and not only the short term impact of what we eat and drink. But good health can never be measured with how big our biceps and laterals are.
Our physical size can never be the basis of good health. It can be judged by our strength, resistance to illnesses, longevity, and our youthful vigor as we grow old.
Everybody wants to have a healthy body. But, with today’s very comfortable lifestyle, it can be quite difficult to do. It seems like everyone is becoming unhealthier and unhealthier every single day. You might eat the right kinds of food, and you might be exercising regularly, but your doctor may still say that it’s not really enough. So, what’s missing? To answer this question, you may want to start drinking green tea.
So, just what’s all the hype about this centuries old brew that it made everyone absolutely crazy about it? From scientists, to health buffs, to regular people, what it is about green tea that is so great that it seems that almost everyone is drinking it?
First of all, this brew existed for thousands of years. The Chinese and the Japanese have been drinking this for centuries, and is still part of their daily life, and they even said that this tea can keep your body healthy.
Today, scientists have found that there is more to green tea than your average everyday tea. To start, it has antioxidants that are known to help fight off or prevent cancer, and it is also full of certain vitamins and minerals that contribute to making your body healthier.
To name all the benefits, here are 7 reasons why you should start drinking this miracle brew:
• Cancer
As mentioned before, green tea is filled with antioxidants that helps counter the effects of oxidants or what we commonly know as free radicals. By fighting off free radicals, it will help prevent cancer.
• Diabetes
Most people who are diabetics have been found to have low metabolism rate. This means that they cannot get rid of carbohydrates easily which will be stored as fat in the body. This will also increase the blood sugar levels in your body. With green tea, it will increase your metabolism rate and increase your energy levels, which will help in preventing diabetes. Studies on lab rats have found that it is very effective in preventing diabetes and also proves to be an inexpensive way to do so.
• Bad breath
Green is known to help in keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Also it helps in keeping the mouth clean and free from odor-causing bacteria. If you have a bad breath, then this brew can definitely help give you a fresher and nicer smelling breath.
• Acne
Because green tea has antioxidants, it can help in preventing acne as well as treating it. Also, it helps in reducing the inflammation that is associated with acne. By drinking this brew, you will definitely see it as an inexpensive way to treat acne and help you get a smoother skin.
• Alzheimer’s disease
Another benefit that green tea provides is that it helps in protecting the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea has been found to prevent plaque deposits in the brain, which is the cause of this very serious disease. With green tea, you will definitely have a healthier brain and a sharper mind.
• Cholesterol
Studies have found that green tea can help in fighting and reducing bad cholesterols. It is also a natural anticoagulant. All in all, it will help in keeping your blood pressure low, as well as prevent heart diseases and strokes. Green tea is also about giving you a healthy heart.
• HIV
Last but not the least; green tea has been linked to help in preventing HIV. Because green tea naturally increases the body’s immune system, studies have found that the EGCG that is naturally found in this brew can boost your immune system. Therefore, it may not be very far in the future that green tea will contribute a lot in HIV prevention and cure researches.
These are 7 reasons why you should start drinking green tea. Indeed, this brew can do miracles to the body. If you want a healthier body, then this brew is definitely for you.