3 Common Myths About Protein And Protein Supplements
If you have ever visited the bodybuilding section of the gym you will know that the hottest topic is always protein and protein supplements. This is not surprising, because protein is important for building mass muscle, but there are also three common myths that you are likely to hear about protein and protein supplements as well.
The first myth, is that athletes do not actually require extra protein. This myth is absolutely false. A great deal of research has been done in this area, and people who are active, simply need more protein. The more active you are, the more protein that you need. This is not restricted to bodybuilders, but to any very active person. The difference being that, because bodybuilders are making muscle mass, they need more protein that other active people.
Recent research suggests that active people need 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein for each kilogram of bodyweight. This is 150% to 175% more than the Recommended Daily Allowance of protein for the average person. Strength trainers need even more protein, and 1.7 to 1.8 grams of protein are recommended for each kilogram of bodyweight for this group of people.
Research has also found, that athletes who only take in the recommended daily allowance of protein, actually lose muscle, instead of gaining it. This is due to a decrease in whole-body protein synthesis, which is common in athletes. The additional protein recommended for bodybuilders helps the body to keep a good nitrogen balance, which is essential to bodybuilding.
The second myth, is that high protein diets are unhealthy, or even dangerous. There has been a lot of hype about kidney problems and osteoporosis associated with high protein diets, but there is no medical data to back it up. In saying that, it is important that the correct amount is taken, not double or treble the recommended amount, in the hope of building even more muscle.
Furthermore, it has been found that anyone who suffers from kidney problems, and is also on a high protein diet, had a kidney problem before they ever started the high protein diet. It is true, however, that if you have a pre-existing kidney problem, a high protein diet probably isn’t right for you. If you know you have a pre-existing problem, you should check it out with your doctor first. If you are otherwise healthy, however, this just doesn’t apply.
The third protein and protein supplement myth, is that all proteins are essentially the same. In fact, protein and protein supplements are not all created the same, and different proteins have different functions for athletes. Different proteins have different amino acid ratios, and those different ratios do have a profound effect on the body, in different ways.
Through science, we now know what makes up a quality protein. Furthermore, we know what those different make ups of a protein do for the human body. If you are looking to increase your protein intake with protein supplements, you should learn as much as you can about the various types of protein and protein supplements, to ensure that you are using the protein that is right for you, and to help give you the results you are looking for.
Again, when you start bodybuilding, you will hear all sorts of information about protein and protein supplements. It is important that you do your own research and find out the proven facts about protein and protein supplements. After all, it is your body, and it is your goals. There are countless myths out there, so learn the truth, and be comfortable with your decisions. For you to be able to reach your goals, you will need to know the facts and also correctly use, any protein supplements that you choose.
