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The Power of Protein

Jan 14, 2025

Protein - the magic missing ingredient from your health and wellness routine and the key to fitness gains! Whether you’re already fueling your fitness with protein or you’re looking to step up your game, here are some scientifically backed reasons why proper protein intake is essential to your overall well-being. 

What is protein?
Protein is part of a complex group of molecules that can be found all throughout the body. Proteins make up your hair, nails, bones, and muscles, and are what gives organs and tissues their shape and help them perform properly. Your body uses protein that you ingest as an energy source to build new proteins within your body, like muscles and bones. 

Why is protein important to our diet?
The benefits of proper protein intake stretch far and wide. Here are 5 benefits of protein, as outlined by Healthline. 

• Increases Muscle Mass and Strength: Protein intake helps your body to maintain muscle and promotes muscle growth when you are strength training. High protein intake can also help to prevent muscle loss during periods of weight loss. 
• Good for Your Bones: It’s been proven that people who eat more protein tend to maintain bone mass better as they age, while having a lower risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. This is especially beneficial for women as they age, as they have a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause. 
• Boosts Metabolism and Increases Fat Burning: Your body uses calories to digest and make use of the nutrients in food, a process referred to as the thermic effect of food. Protein has a higher thermic effect than fat or carbs, which in turn increases the amount of calories your body burns. 
• Lowers Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. High protein diets not only lower blood pressure, but in turn they also have been proven to reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides. 
• Helps Body Repair After Injury: Protein forms the main building blocks of tissues and organs, and if properly supplied can help you recover in a timely manner. 

What are some good sources of protein?
While “more protein” is commonly thought of as “more meat”, there are many ways to up your protein intake. Look to nuts, whole grains, meats, fish, and more. According to Harvard Health Publishing, here is a list of high protein foods that you can incorporate into your everyday diet. 

• Beans, peas, and lentils: Think chickpeas and lentils
• Nuts and Seeds: Think walnuts and pumpkin seeds
• Lean meats: Think chicken and turkey
• Fish: Think salmon and tuna 
• Dairy Products: Think yogurt and milk 
• Soy: Think tofu 

Our Grab and Go Coolers across all NYSC locations are always stocked with beverages that bring quick + easy protein to you! Shop our coolers next time you’re in Club, and get rewarded for it through our free member loyalty program, MY Club Rewards. Sign up for free today and start earning points for any money spent on cooler products.