BODYBUILDING: Benefits and Risks of Eating Protein

Proteins are essential for cell growth and renewal

What are the sources of protein?

These food supplements exist in different forms:

Whey, in powder form, is a particularly popular protein formula. Obtained from whey or "whey" which forms above yogurts, whey is very rich in milk proteins. It exists in different forms, concentrated whey, "isolate" whey or even "native whey". The latter is a rather interesting choice: but what is native whey?

Native whey is an undenatured protein powder obtained with special manufacturing methods. It is much purer, more integrated than other sources of protein in the form of supplements. These qualities are linked to the manufacturing methods mentioned above which allow the conservation of proteins and amino acids.

What are the benefits of consuming protein in bodybuilding? The practice of bodybuilding involves the repetition of intense efforts on a daily basis. Nutrition must therefore be adjusted to meet the body's energy needs. It is easier for the body to draw this energy from the muscles. "But when you don't have enough, recovery can take longer."

The increase in protein intake then speeds up recovery after intense training. Indeed, proteins promote and accelerate the process of repairing muscle microtraumas.

Thus, after a bodybuilding session, the intake of protein powder supplements can be recommended. You can find it on Optigura. These nutritional contributions in proteins make it possible to preserve the muscular fibers and to increase the volume and the muscular mass. For muscle to develop, the process of muscle cell synthesis must more than compensate for their natural breakdown. Giving priority to the consumption of proteins during the main meals thus makes it possible to increase muscle mass. This is also the effect generally sought, with these nutrient intakes.

Proteins, architects of muscles: When you perform intense training, your body's need for amino acids increases. These amino acids are essential for maintaining muscle mass. To compensate for the cellular damage sometimes linked to exercise, the body synthesizes chains of amino acids and repairs the damaged cells. Thus, after intense training, damaged or destroyed muscle fibers need to be consolidated and repaired. This compensation, at the origin of muscle growth, requires significant protein intake.

This is why the practice of bodybuilding can impose the consumption of a large quantity of proteins which will both protect and renew the muscles and promote their growth.

Muscle mass or fat mass? Protein also promotes fat loss because, unlike other nutrients, it takes more effort or energy to digest. In other words, the increase in the amount of energy consumed by the metabolism. Thus, protein intake promotes fat burning and reduces calorie storage. Many athletes practice cutting phases that allow the elimination of fat that has accumulated in the body while maintaining intact muscle mass. It is then a question of reducing its caloric intake but while ensuring the good distribution of macronutrients and, in particular, sufficient protein intake.

Finally, let's mention another beneficial effect of protein intake, the increase in glucagon levels, a hormone which, by stimulating the production of glucose, allows the maintenance of the level of glucose that the body needs.

Proteins in bodybuilding, what risks? If there are many benefits of protein intake when practicing bodybuilding, avoiding excess remains the key word to preserve your health. Whatever their source, food or food supplements, the amount of protein consumed must be regulated:

"you must opt ​​for a healthy and balanced diet with varied nutrient intakes".

Being well-informed and aware of the benefits and risks of consuming protein is an integral part of practicing strength training. It remains essential to choose your protein sources carefully and to avoid overusing them in order to take advantage of all these advantages. The sports doctor is there to advise you.