You might have heard from friends and
athletes about the benefits of protein shakes for muscle building.
Although
it's that true muscles need protein to function and grow, there is no evidence
that protein shakes or supplements alone will increase muscle size. Many of the
claims about the ability of protein supplements to pump you up are
unsubstantiated. Understanding the role of protein in the body will lead to a
more accurate picture of how protein shakes affect muscle growth.
Protein
Protein
is found naturally in many foods, such as fish, meat, nuts and soy. It's an
essential part of any healthy diet, and those who are protein-deficient can
develop health problems. Health experts recommend 55.5 g of protein daily for
men and 45 g of protein per day for women, according to BBC Health. Only small
amounts of protein are needed each day, but most people who live in
industrialized nations ingest more protein than their bodies actually require.