Why Is Protein Important? We Asked Orgain - Motherly
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Why does protein matter?

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Think for a moment about everything you do during the day: From making breakfast for the family in the morning to staying active throughout the day, every step is powered in part by protein. Not only does this macronutrient give you energy and strength, but it also helps repair and regulate your body’s functions. 1 The same is true for kids, who need sufficient protein to keep up with their growing bodies. (Fun fact: Research shows that kids’ energy levels are on par with endurance athletes.2 But that’s probably no surprise to you!) By incorporating foods that are good sources of protein throughout the day, you can keep everyone in the family feeling their best. Here’s how your body powers up with protein…

Energization

Because protein generally doesn’t raise glucose levels, it can help keep your blood sugar more consistent—which means fewer midday slumps.3 To support energy, look for foods that pair protein with complex carbohydrates, such as grab-and-go bars from Orgain that deliver 10 grams of protein in one delicious package.

Restoration

Although protein has an extensive job description, its No. 1 role is to build and repair cells.4 That’s why protein drinks are so beneficial after gym sessions! Really, though, protein drinks and bars are for everyone, especially active moms and growing kids. Fitting enough protein in your diet helps your body build and repair muscle, tissues, skin and bones.6

Oxygenation

Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells, transports oxygen throughout the bloodstream.5 The more effectively this process happens, the stronger and more energized the body can feel.

Hormone Regulation

Just like protein is a building block for bones and muscle,6 it also provides the amino acids that are necessary for hormone production—including the human growth hormone,7 dopamine, melatonin8 and oxytocin.9 In turn, these hormones influence things from mood to stress to sleep patterns.

Digestion

Dietary protein helps the body produce enzymes.10 Some of those enzymes aid in digestion by breaking down food into nutrients the body needs to stay fueled and functioning at an optimal level.11

Immune Support

Protein is an MVP when it comes to supporting your immune system. That’s because the amino acids that come from dietary protein support the production of T cells, B cells and antibodies, which work together to help fight off viral and bacterial infections.12 Better yet, when paired with foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, protein-dense snacks and meals can help your immune system work its best.

The good news is that fitting protein-rich foods into your day doesn’t have to be complicated. As any busy mom with picky kids knows, the best foods need to taste great while also delivering complex carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals and protein. That’s where Orgain comes in: With convenient powders, drinks and bars available in a number of tasty flavors, it’s a simple and delicious way for everyone in the family to get enough protein.

Learn more about fueling your day with Orgain, available on Amazon and retailers nationwide!

Article reviewed by Jessica D’Argenio Waller, MS, CNS, LDN, a nutritionist and Motherly’s health & wellness senior editor.

Sources

1. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Protein in Diet. Updated June 8, 2021.

2. Birat A, Bourdier P, Piponnier E, Blazevich AJ, Maciejewski H, Duché P, Ratel S. Metabolic and fatigue profiles are comparable between prepubertal children and well-trained adult endurance athletes. Frontiers in physiology. 2018 Apr 24;9:387. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00387

3. Gannon MC, Nuttall FQ, Saeed A, Jordan K, Hoover H. An increase in dietary protein improves the blood glucose response in persons with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;78(4):734-741. doi:10.1093/ajcn/78.4.734

4. Kreider RB, Campbell B. Protein for exercise and recovery. Phys Sportsmed. 2009;37(2):13-21. doi:10.3810/psm.2009.06.1705

5. Mayo Clinic. Hemoglobin test. Updated Feb. 11, 2022.

6. Tomé D, Benoit S, Azzout-Marniche D. Protein metabolism and related body function: mechanistic approaches and health consequences. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2021;80(2):243-251. doi:10.1017/S0029665120007880

7. Science Direct. Human growth hormone-an overview.

8. Fernstrom JD. Dietary amino acids and brain function. J Am Diet Assoc. 1994;94(1):71-77. doi:10.1016/0002-8223(94)92045-1

9. Science Direct. Oxytocin-an overview. From: International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 2001.

10. Lewis T, Stone WL. Biochemistry, Proteins Enzymes. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, April 28, 2022.

11. Pandol SJ. The Exocrine Pancreas. San Rafael (CA): Morgan & Claypool Life Sciences; 2010. Digestive Enzymes. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54127/

12. Li P, Yin YL, Li D, Kim SW, Wu G. Amino acids and immune function. Br J Nutr. 2007;98(2):237-252. doi:10.1017/S000711450769936X

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