Protein is a major nutrient often dismissed as something required to be eaten in large quantities and supplemented only by the gym enthusiasts and sports people.
A recent survey titled ‘Protein Consumption in Diet of Adult Indians: A General Consumer Survey (PRODIGY)’ indicates that 9 out of 10 people consume inadequate amounts of protein in India. Statistics revealed that 93% of Indian population are unaware of ideal protein requirement per day with pregnant ladies on the top (97%), followed by lactating mothers (96%) and adolescents (95%). This is an alarming trend, as protein is a very necessary and extremely important building block of nutrition.
Traditionally, Indian diets are heavy on carbohydrates and fats, and have less protein and vitamin contents. Add to this the modern food growing and processing practices that strip the food on our plates of their essential minerals and vitamins, modern day stressors of life and the result is that Indians are becoming more and more protein deficient, and they don’t even know it.
You need an optimal amount of protein – not minimum amount – for survival. How much protein you need depends on factors like how much you weigh, how much muscle you have, and most importantly, your activity level. As per the RDA, a normal adult requires 0.8-1.0g per kg ideal body weight. An endurance athlete requires 1.5-2.0g per kg ideal body weight and resistance and strength athletes require 2.5- 3g per kg ideal body weight.
This is a tall order and it can be difficult to consume all of the protein needed daily through whole foods alone. Supplementing is a great option to ensure adequate protein intake, especially since traditional Indian diets are not enough to meet our protein requirements.
Symptoms of protein deficiency include loss of muscle mass, skin pigmentation, diarrhea, changes in the color or texture of hair, protruding belly, rashes, and swelling. People with protein deficiency also experience fatigue, lethargy, irritability, and apathy.
Vegetarians especially are vulnerable. Vegans even more so, as they rely on plant-based sources of protein, which don’t have all nine essential amino acids. Majority of the Indian population is vegetarian, so a recent study that said that statistics reveal that 91% vegetarians were found to have higher protein deficiency compared to 85% of non-vegetarians, it is alarming.
Take this as a wake-up call. As your life becomes increasingly hectic, making healthy decisions that steer you toward wellness becomes a necessity. Whatever your age, it is a challenge to maintain adequate protein levels in your diet- a challenge we suggest you take head-on. For good health, get protein enriched today!
As the basic kick-starter for lean muscle repair, 100% Whey helps you achieve maximum wellness by supporting a healthy metabolism and lean muscle. No matter what your level of exercise, amino acids are needed for growth, repair, and maintenance of muscles. Every scoop of GNC’s 100% Whey formula is packed with 24 grams of high-quality protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids, that digest quickly and support your wellness and performance goals. And keep you away from protein deficiency and its avoidable pitfalls.
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