Blog Title: Protein – Younger for Longer
Introduction:
Amino acids (protein) are unsung heroes and often somewhat undervalued.
Yes, they help muscle recovery after exercise, but they are SOOOO much more than that.
These small molecules play a vital role in numerous physiological functions beyond exercise recovery, contributing to our overall health and well-being.
In this blog, we will explore what amino acids are, why we need them, and briefly visit five key health benefits they offer.
What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, the fundamental components of our body’s structure.
There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form different proteins.
These amino acids can be categorised into three groups: essential amino acids (EAAs), non-essential amino acids (NEAAs), and conditionally essential amino acids (CEAAs).
EAAs cannot be synthesised by the body and must be obtained from the diet, while NEAAs and CEAAs can be produced within the body… Very important to know.
Why Do We Need Amino Acids?
Because we do. simples 😝
Amino acids are essential for the proper functioning of the human animal.
Here are 5 of the 100’s of reasons why we need them:
Protein Structure: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for the structure and function of every single cell in our body, they help build our organs, skin, hair, nails, enzymes, hormones... and of course our muscles.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Amino acids serve as precursors for neurotransmitters, which are vital for communication between nerve cells. For example, serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. Amino acid imbalances can impact neurotransmitter levels and influence mental health.
Immune Function: Amino acids are essential for the production of antibodies, which play a key role in the immune system’s defence against foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. They also contribute to the development and activation of immune cells, bolstering our body’s ability to fight infections.
Metabolic Processes: Amino acids participate in various metabolic processes. They contribute to the synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and other bioactive molecules. For instance, tyrosine is used to produce thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, while histidine is a precursor for histamine, which is involved in immune response and allergic reactions.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Amino acids are crucial for blood sugar regulation as they are involved in the synthesis of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, amino acids play a role in reducing glycation, a process where excess glucose binds to proteins, by competing with glucose for binding sites and preventing excessive glycation reactions. Frequent glycation means a faster ageing process.
Conclusion:
Protein is so much more than Post-exercise recovery and muscles.
The amino acids that form proteins give us the fundamental foundations in order for us to have energy, focus, vitality, and drive.
Without them, we are running on empty and are prone to allergic reactions, gut upset, irregular sleeping patterns, irregular appetite, fatigue, and an accelerated ageing process.
Regardless of whether we eat animal sources or non-animal sources etc, human physiology is what it is, and it needs what it needs. EAAs are an essential need for the human body’s health, vitality, and fitness…We don’t get to change our biochemistry because of a belief.
So, regardless of belief, it’s up to us to get enough of those amino acids into our diets on a daily basis.
Similar to the fuel we put in our cars, regardless of whether we want to or not, if we want that car to work correctly, we have to give it what it needs.
The human animal is the same in principle but on an insanely sophisticated biochemical level.
So yes, to recover from exercise and improve our fitness, we need enough good-quality protein…
But if we want to be our best, strongest, most energetic selves, who rarely gets sick and stays biologically younger for longer, in a body we are happy and proud of…
We have to have a good protein game.
It’s a compulsory nutritional prerequisite.
Let’s end with a joke…
Why did the protein need anger management?
Because it was an amino acid 👀
Committed to your health.
– Coach Paul 🤙🏻