Written By Mikkie Mills / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

In this day and age, they say it's almost impossible not to consume enough protein in your diet, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. With hectic work schedules and poor food choices, a person can go days without a healthy serving of a protein-rich food.

If you're still wondering what the big deal is about one specific nutrient, here are six vital reasons your body needs protein every day.

You'll Have More Energy by getting protein every day

Experiencing fatigue isn't that uncommon, but if you're tired all the time, the first thing you should look at is your diet. If you're not consuming enough protein from sources such as Greek yogurt, chicken, beans, lean meats or a high-quality protein powder, you'll need to make some changes.

Some people consume more carbohydrates thinking it will give them more energy, but carbs break down quickly and turn to sugar. Protein, on the other hand, breaks down slowly providing you with energy for a longer period of time.

Protein Keeps Hunger In-Check

Another benefit of eating enough protein every day is that it will keep your appetite satisfied longer, helping you to avoid snacking during the day. The reason for this is that high-protein foods suppress a hormone called ghrelin.

Ghrelin rises when you have an empty stomach making you feel hungry, but protein puts a stop to that. When you eat protein, not only does it keep you fuller for longer, you're satisfied much quicker. Keeping your hunger in-check directly helps you to lose weight.

Protein Helps You Get Stronger

When you think of becoming stronger, especially when lifting weights, you think of protein. Muscles are made when they are broken down through exercise and then repaired as your body rests.

Protein is an important component of this rebuilding process. As muscles are continuously built back up, you become stronger.

Athletes should aim to double their protein intake because they'll expend it. Certain age groups, such as older women, should also increase their amount as they rarely get enough.

Protein Makes for Healthy Skin and Hair

The lack of certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can often make itself known by showing up in other parts of the body. For example, you need protein for healthy skin and hair. If you're not getting enough, you're likely to notice your hair falling out or becoming dry and brittle.

Your skin may get drier and even your nails could start flaking and may develop ridges. By increasing your protein, you'll notice an improvement in these areas and you'll look and feel much more radiant.

Protein Reduces Edema

You may have noticed lately that you're experiencing swelling in your legs, feet or abdomen. Maybe you even tried to reduce it by drinking extra water, but nothing has helped.

What really might be happening is that you're not eating enough protein. One protein in particular, called albumin, regulates fluid in the body's tissues and if you're not getting enough, you'll experience edema. As soon as you start increasing your protein, you'll be relieved to see the swelling go down.

Protein Helps Injuries To Heal

You already know that protein aids in muscle repair when you lift weights and exercise. This tissue repair doesn't only help with muscles, but also with injuries and wounds.

If you have a protein deficiency and have an injury, it will take longer to heal. Protein is necessary in the healing process because it assists in blood flow and the transport of oxygen through the body that helps you heal faster. While recovering from your injury, it's a good time to boost your protein intake with a supplement.

Protein Holds the Answers

As you can see, it's essential to make sure your body gets adequate amounts of protein each day. When it comes to avoiding fatigue, rebuilding muscle, losing weight and increasing strength, protein is where you'll find your answers. You'll notice an improvement in your energy level and overall good feelings by increasing your protein.

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Written By:

Mikkie Mills is a freelance writer from Chicago. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on interior design, budgeting hacks and DIY. When she's not writing, she's chasing the little ones around, walking her dog, or can be found rock climbing at the local climbing gym.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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