Protein is essential for all living things. Not only is protein essential, it is necessary for overall maintenance of the body. Protein has a number of important roles including repair of body cells, building and repair of muscles and bones, it's a source of energy and it helps regulate metabolic processes. Your body dictates how much protein is needed by activity levels and type of activity performed.

Whey protein contains many positive health benefits. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. Whey protein is a complete protein rich in amino acids and is important for optimum physical performance. Whey speeds muscle recovery, aids in burning of stored fat, promotes stable blood sugar levels, enhances immune system function and is an excellent source of nutrients for overall health. Essential amino acids are important for individuals involved in sports, exercise and resistance training. The requirement for amino acids increases during exercise as they are taken up directly by the skeletal muscles versus first being metabolized through the liver. Low levels of amino acids may contribute to fatigue.

Athletes treat food as fuel required to perform their chosen sport. Contrary to belief, pre-exercise food does not simply sit in the stomach and hinder athletic performance. It enhances stamina and endurance. The amount of food consumed will depend on your stomach’s tolerance to pre-exercise fuel. Whey protein has the highest biological value of all proteins consumed, meaning how much of the protein is absorbed and retained by your body. Biological value is the measure used to rate protein quality through nitrogen retention. The higher the quality of protein the more nitrogen is absorbed and retained by your body. Whey will improve protein synthesis, preventing the breakdown of muscle. Results have proven that whey helps athletes become leaner, faster and stronger. Athletes increased glutamine blood levels with whey. Glutamine levels have been shown to drop 55% after an intense workout resulting in a decrease of protein synthesis and muscle growth. Lower glutamine levels translate to high cortisol levels, a side effect of over-trained athletes. Cortisol, released in times of stress and hard training, was reduced up to 26% by using whey protein. Maintaining proper blood glucose levels is of crucial importance to endurance athletes. You get a more constant flow of fuel to the working muscles. More fuel, better performance. Protein in conjunction with carbohydrates is very important to help prevent blood sugar levels from dropping.

The definition of endurance is the act, quality or power of withstanding hardship or stress. Physical endurance is differentiated from other forms of physical stress in that in endurance exercise fatigue of the muscle and cardiovascular system do not force the effort to end. The need for sleep, build-up of waste chemicals, depletion of energy stores, physical injury or psychological failure will bring on end to the effort. Proper nutrition is the key to one's success. Consuming 5-6 small meals throughout the day, emphasizing high quality protein and carbohydrates, can improve performance, endurance and recovery.

Yours in Strength,

IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Donna Logue and Brian Logue

Donna@bodyby24-7.com