6:16 AM 2/15/2008
The Advantages of Protein-Not Just Muscle Building

By Dane C. Fletcher

As a bodybuilder, you're probably continuously being asked the same thing by family, friends, and co-workers... "Why do you need that much protein?" Of course the answer will probably be an explanation of how protein delivers amino acids to muscle cells so that they can grow. Of course, protein has a wealth of other benefits. Sharing this list with them might encourage them to consume a little more protein, even if they don't' wish to build muscle tissue.

Lower cholesterol

Removing carbohydrates from the diet, and replacing them with an identical number of protein grams, has been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and raise levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind). In most people, a small lifestyle change such as swapping out two carb sources per day with good protein sources can provide a long-term cholesterol lowering effect.

Lower blood pressure

A little-known and only recently studied phenomenon has been the use of protein to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of hypertension. The theory behind this belief is fundamentally sound, and the data is emerging to support this. If you are at risk for high blood pressure, lowering carb intake and replacing with protein sources might be a good idea.

Fewer strokes

This might be inversely related to the above two factors. But incomplete studies show that those who intake more protein and less carbs have fewer strokes. If additional studies on food intake and mortality statistics further confirm this, a major shift in nutritional requirements for health could emerge.

Once the listener is sold on protein, you can delve deeper into the different kinds of protein. If they are against consuming meat, remind them that vegetarian sources of protein like soy provide many of the same positive effects. Keep in mind that high-protein diets are still relatively new in the greater scheme of things in medical research, and time will deliver the results of more studies.

Dane Fletcher is the world's most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.