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Why does my body need protein?<\/h3>\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”intro”]High-protein cereal, high-protein bread and even high-protein chips \u2013 protein is currently in the spotlight. Whether for sport, at work or for a diet, proteins are in demand everywhere. But what\u2019s the truth behind the hype? How much protein do you really need? Our Aramark nutritionist Ulrike Moessner tells you everything you need to know about this important nutritional substance.<\/p>\n
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Why does my body need protein?<\/h3>\nOne thing is clear: Nothing works without protein. After all, protein is one of our essential nutrients. Proteins are vital for building and repairing muscle. And that\u2019s not just true for athletes. Proteins can be found in every cell, in bones and tissue. They make our hair, nails and skin strong and durable. Hormones, blood clotting, immune response \u2013 all need protein to work.<\/p>\n
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Sure, our muscles are made predominantly from proteins. Without them we wouldn\u2019t be able to lift a finger. But for any couch potatoes thinking they can lounge around eating protein and watching their muscles grow: Sorry, that\u2019s not how it works. \u201cMore protein does not automatically lead to more muscle growth. Only by combining it with a good workout regimen can you increase your muscle mass,\u201d explains Ulrike Moessner.<\/p>\n
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Sorry, but protein isn\u2019t a miracle weight loss solution. Your weight is determined by everything in your diet. And of course by how much you exercise and your genetics. But our nutrition expert Ulrike Moessner does have a great protein fact for you: \u201cProtein can help stabilize your blood sugar level and make you feel fuller for longer. This means you won\u2019t feel hungry so soon after eating.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/h3>\nIt depends. \u201cHow much protein you need depends on your age, gender, weight and lifestyle,\u201d explains Ulrike Moessner. To be more specific: The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily intake of 0.8g protein per 1kg bodyweight. That means if you weight 75kg, you should eat around 60g protein every day. If you do a lot of exercise, you\u2019ll need more. Children and young people who are still growing and elderly people also need more protein.<\/p>\n
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\u201cMost people already eat enough protein,\u201d stresses Ulrike Moessner. For this reason, the German Nutrition Society considers the high-protein products that are popular today to be unnecessary. Too much protein can also cause problems. When your body breaks down proteins, it creates acids. If this acid is present for too long, the body releases calcium from the bones to neutralize it. Another waste product created when proteins are broken down is urea. This needs a lot of liquid to flush it out, putting a strain on the kidneys. So protein is best in moderation.<\/p>\n
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When it comes to protein, many people think of steak, chicken, milk and yoghurt. But proteins from plant sources are just as good. \u201cAnimal proteins are more similar to our human proteins. But plant-based proteins can be just as good, especially when they\u2019re combined the right way,\u201d says our nutritional expert Ulrike Moessner.<\/p>\n