If you're new to the supplement game or just want to learn more specifically about protein and amino acids, you're in the right place. Here at 540 Performance, we want you to be educated on what you're taking and how it will benefit you.
Amino Acids = The building blocks of protein.
Proteins consist of amino acids, which help construct muscle tissue and physiological functions, such as acting as an enzyme or hormone, maintaining fluid balance, transportation of nutrients, wound healing, and tissue restoration if needed to give the body energy if fats and proteins are low. It’s a must to make sure that adequate protein levels are in the body to promote muscle growth, physiological functions, or aid in body recomposition.
Overall, there are 20 amino acids broken down into two different categories: essential or non-essential. Essential - meaning that these need to be consumed from either supplements or food products. Non-essential means that the body itself can manufacture them. Amino acids' role is just as stated above! The building blocks of proteins. Yet, they play other functions such as recovery, reduced fatigue, energy production, promote collagen, tissue growth/repair, bone health, and muscle functioning.
What are protein sources?
There are multiple ways to consume protein, from Protein powders and bars to actual food. When breaking it down, your food choices come from Animal, dairy, and plant based. Now, protein powder comes in many forms such as isolate, hydrolysates, concentrates, casein, egg, pea, hemp, brown rice. It’s entirely up to you on how you want to consume your protein.
Protein intake – What fits my needs?
Protein intake all depends on your goals and lifestyle. Whether it's for general health, weight loss, or increasing muscle mass, we like to see others be able to hit a certain amount of protein intake a day; this is just to make sure that you’re fueling your body with the necessary macronutrient needed.
Sedentary persons intake – 0.8G of protein per KG of bodyweight.
Weight loss intake – 1.6 -2.2G of protein per KG of bodyweight.
Muscle Growth - – 1.6 -2.2G of protein per KG of bodyweight.
Looking at the numbers of protein intake may be interesting, seeing that some are the same. The reason is that protein itself has the feeling of becoming more satiated, which is beneficial for weight loss. Plus, the protein itself has a high thermic effect due to the energy needed to break it down. Granted, if you want to pack on muscle mass and eat in the ranges of 1.6 – 2.2G of protein, you’re also probably eating a higher caloric intake than someone who wants to lose weight.
We must make sure we reach our protein goals daily and consume complete protein sources. Granted, not everyone can get the correct amount of daily protein every meal, and that is ok. Therefore, protein powder is a staple in helping you reach your daily protein goals. Protein powders are easy to mix and convenient, especially if you train in the morning and don't want to be on an empty stomach. You can use protein powders in many baking recipes, which help increase protein intake and even fulfill your sweet tooth!
At 540 Performance, we want you to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. That’s why we don’t exclude anything from our labels. We put it all out there so you can feel safe and satisfied about your supplement intake. In each of the descriptions of our products, we tell you what you need to know. But if you have any other questions or concerns, reach out to us! We’ll give you the full rundown.