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Do Proteins Give You Energy?
The energy our body needs for all the activities that keep us healthy and active comes from our food. But does energy come from carbohydrates, fats or proteins? Let's find out!
Generally speaking, our body continuously utilises a mix of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. But only one of these is chosen as the main source of energy. To determine which of these macronutrients will be chosen as the preferred fuel at a given time, we need to analyse the type and intensity of the activity performed, the glycogen storage deposited in the muscles and the physical condition.
When the body performs a high intensity activity, it generally chooses carbohydrates as a primary energy source. Carbohydrates are easily transformed into sugars and become an immediate source of short-term energy.
In the case of prolonged low intensity exercise, the body prefers to draw energy from fat. This to keep the glycogen stores in the muscles, without exhausting them, and therefore allowing us to continue physical activity. Glycogen is made up of carbohydrates and is our muscular energy reserve or backup.
Proteins are our body’s third choice when it comes to extracting energy. Only when the energy reserves of carbohydrates and fats end up, our body breaks down proteins into their constituent amino acids, and then turns them into glucose, or energy.
But this system is very complex, and proteins should not only be looked upon as the last resort of our energy sources. Proteins, once ingested with other types of foods, are broken down into amino acids and are used for the construction and repair of all our tissues, including our muscles.
Proteins also serve to bring nutrients into our cells, and to activate metabolism. A diet rich in protein can speed up the metabolism, favouring the burning of calories within our body.
Proteins, although not the main source of energy used by the body, are essential to keep the muscles healthy and toned and to nourish our cells. It makes no sense to consider carbohydrates as the only source of energy. Proteins, like other macronutrients, are also indispensable from this point of view.
The secret to having more energy lies within a balanced diet. Our nutrition must include an adequate supply of all nutrients, including proteins. For a sedentary person with a low percentage of lean mass, the protein requirement is around 1 gram per kg of body weight. For an athlete it could even exceed double. But which proteins should we choose?
According to data from research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), belonging to the WHO (World Health Organization), a diet rich in vegetable proteins reduces by 12% the risk of getting cancer in general, but in the case of specific forms of cancer, the risk can drop as much as 45 percent!
Plant proteins are less toxic than animal based ones, they are easier to digest and do not pose a risk to health. Consuming animal proteins very often means introducing high percentages of saturated fats, hormones used in breeding, and possibly other potentially harmful substances into our bodies. Here are the best proteins for your muscles, tissues and energy reserves:
Hemp Protein: contains all the essential amino acids and a perfect 3: 1 ratio between Omega-3 and Omega-6!
Pea Protein: rich in essential fatty acids, folic acid, mineral salts, vitamins and enzymes and is easy to digest.
Rice Protein: contains all the essential amino acids, can provide 149% of the daily intake of protein per 100g, and does not contain cholesterol.
Iswari Super Vegan Protein: is a balanced mix of hemp, rice and pea proteins, so you get the benefits from all 3, in one!
Iswari Super Green Protein: contains the best vegan proteins, such as hemp, rice and pea, but ALSO the most powerful and nutritious superfood detox mix to have an even greater source of energy and detoxification at the same time!
