Why Women Need Protein Too
Most people associate protein supplements with large rippling muscles, and women afraid of bulking up avoid them like the plague. In reality, women may actually benefit from protein more than men. There are even brands now marketed specifically for women, whether you are actively trying to lose weight or just keeping fit and healthy.
Protein Powders for Weight Loss
Protein powder for women has fat-burning compounds such as L-Carnitine and green tea extract that increase the calories you burn by boosting your metabolism. At the same time, they fill the gap created by the reduced muscle mass due to the loss of weight. The combined effect of weight loss and muscle strengthening results in a lean but strong body that most women aim for.
Protein is also the most saturated macronutrient, able to satiate your food craving and curb your appetite. It can naturally reduce your calorie intake compared to consuming food rich in carbohydrates or fats.
Healthier Skin, Hair, and Nails
Protein is essential for hair, nail, and skin health. Collagen, for instance, is the most abundant protein in the body, comprising 70% of the skin and maintaining joint mobility in connective tissues. It provides a structure that prevents the signs of aging from showing prematurely. It also keeps your nail beds strong and smooth, preventing thinning and splitting. Keratin is another type of protein that gives your hair a shiny, healthy, and strong appearance.
Protein for Healthy Bones
Calcium and even vitamin D are essential for bone health, but protein also plays a key role. Several studies show that high protein intake has a positive effect on bone mineral density. Hip fracture incidence was significantly lower in women with sufficient protein compared to those with low intake. Additionally, protein supplementation prevented bone loss and reduced medical complications after a fracture.
Boost Your Immune System
The immune system is mostly made of cells that rely heavily on the synthesis of new protein to function. As such, low protein intake can severely compromise your ability to fight diseases. Protein powder for women has immunoglobulins, which are the antibodies naturally produced by white blood cells. These glycoprotein molecules recognize and bind to antigens such as viruses and bacteria, facilitating their destruction.
Most protein powder brands also have antioxidants such as tripeptide and glutathione that can boost your immune system even further. Glutathione, in particular, is the most abundant antioxidant in the body that helps prevent medical conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and stroke. It also protects your mitochondria, which convert glucose, fats, and amino acids into energy.
Muscle Repair After Intense Training
Protein powder for women contains high levels of amino acids, which help regenerate muscles damaged during an intense workout and relieve muscular pain. Casein is especially effective in repairing muscle tissues, while BCAA amino acids, such as leucine, stimulate growth in skeletal muscles.
Types of Protein Powder
Among the many available options, whey protein is first on the list and popular for many reasons. It contains nine of the essential amino acids that the body does not produce naturally, and it is highly digestible. Pea protein is made from ground dried yellow peas and is perfect for vegans. Egg white protein powder is an excellent source of pure protein, ideal for athletes and highly active women. Other powdered forms of protein are collagen, brown rice, and hemp.
Author Bio: Steffy Alen is a copywriter and content strategist. She helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI. She loves writing as much as she loves the cake.