Protein: Muscle Building Nutrient for Bodybuilders

Aside from water, protein is the most abundant material found in the body. As a matter of fact, after the water, bones and fat have been discounted, approximately 95% of the body is protein. Through physical activity these tissues of the body are broken down and must be replenished. For this reason, the bodybuilder who wants to gain weight should make sure that a substantial amount of complete protein in his system at all times.

We say complete proteins because not all proteins are of the same biological value. The more complete ones are those which are most like the human body and can be readily assimilated by it.

How does the bodybuilder, or anyone else for that matter, get the proper daily requirement of protein? Well, this is the main objective of protein supplements. Not only do these products contain unusual bodybuilding value but they supply the missing amino acid that makes the incomplete foods useable. In making high protein supplements usually at least 10 natural protein products that are seldom found in the diet. They are scientifically blended so they will closely resemble human muscle in amino acid content. A high quality protein supplement will contain at least 10 times its own weight of amino acids. Naturally, this makes the building of muscle and the resulting gains in bodyweight easier to attain.

The amino acids in a protein determine its chemical characteristics, nutritional value and also specifies how it will function in the metabolism of the body. Of the 22 amino acids which are essential, 12 of them can be manufactured from products that are in the body if good nutrition is maintained. The other 10 must be obtained from the foods that your eat.

The proportions of the essential amino acids are just as crucial as the amounts. Apparently, the body wants these amino acids to be available from our foods in about the same proportions each time for use in maintenance, repair and growth!

According to the Department of Agriculture, the most complete proteins include organic meats, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and soybeans. These are contrasted by the incomplete proteins like grains, nuts cereals, fruits and vegetables, which are lacking because either proportionate amounts of one or more of the essential amino acids are low, or the concentrated aggregate of the amino acids isn't sufficient to help the body meet its needs.

When the incomplete proteins are metabolized the body is supplied with some amino acids, but not all of them. Unfortunately, the supplied acids can not be utilized unless the essential amino acids are also present. What happens to the amino acids if they are metabolized? They are oxidized and the nitrogen (protein) portion is excreted. As you can see, the body will not store the amino acids for later use.

To the bodybuilder or athlete this means that if the amino acid content in your body isn't fulfilled, the process of growth and repairs will not take place. Without this process of building the body one can not expect to gain muscular bodyweight. Also, the body will have a negative nitrogen balance which forces it to live off itself.

As I've said before, a large part of the human body is protein. Now, what happens to the body when there is a deficiency of protein? The body must draw on its own supply of protein which is located in the skin, hair, nails, eyes and internal organs. If the protein needed by their body has to be drawn from the hair, for example, in time a person's hair would start to fall out.

The body has other sources of protein, though. Scientist tell us that the genes, those mysterious controllers of heredity, are made of a particular kind of protein. The issues, bones and cartilages also contain large quantities of protein. Of the several types of protein in the bloodstream, hemoglobin is one of the busiest. This substance transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and brings back carbon dioxide. From this brief discussion it is plain to see that a shortage of protein can cause irreparable damage to the body.

The bodybuilder who wishes to develop larger muscles, strength and endurance must keep a positive protein balance. in his body at all times. Protein requirements for the bodybuilder depend on how fast the body is growing and how large it is. The young, 200 pound-plus, hard-working bodybuilder will need generous amounts of this muscle maker. How much is the right amount for you? The recommended minimum daily protein requirement for the average man of 154 pounds who leads a relatively inactive life is 70 grams. when establishing a total for yourself also remember that a 50% safety allowance for individual variations nd food differences should be considered. Now, with this in mind, this same man might need up to 105 grams of protein daily. However, a 250 pound man would require at least 120 grams daily, while if he wanted to be on the safe side 180 grams of protein would be better.

The main point that the bodybuilder who wants to gain weight must keep in mind is that protein ( or any otter building material) can not be used for growth until the body's needs for maintenance and repair have been met. When there isn't enough protein for all these needs, the body must feed off itself and growth will not take place. One's protein need is increased when engaging in physical exercise or activity.

Research indicates beyond a shadow of a doubt, that everyone needs extra protein. Athletes, weightlifters and bodybuilders require at least two or three times as much protein as the average man. Never shortchange the body of protein, especially if you are trying to gain bodyweight.

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