2023-07-09 05:20:00
Title: Are Protein Shakes and Bars Really Necessary? Expert Opinion Sheds Light on Expensive Products
By: Juliane Gutmann
Date: 07/09/2023 05:20
Protein products have gained immense popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but are they really necessary? According to a nutrition expert, these expensive protein shakes and bars may be superfluous.
Protein products, including shakes, bars, and powders, have become ubiquitous in the fitness and health scene. Often marketed as aids for muscle building, their selection is vast. However, protein is not exclusively important for athletes. Adequate protein intake is vital for a balanced diet as it helps build and repair tissues, maintain muscle mass, and regulate metabolism. Additionally, protein-rich foods contribute to a long-lasting feeling of satiety, preventing cravings.
Proteins can be obtained from both animal and plant-based sources, many of which are readily available and affordable in supermarkets. However, some individuals opt for expensive protein bars and powders, which may not be necessary, according to a professor of nutritional science.
In a Quarks interview, Anja Carlsohn, a professor of nutritional science at the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg, suggests that endurance athletes should aim for a protein intake ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. She believes that healthy adults can easily meet these requirements through regular food consumption.
The German Society for Nutrition recommends an intake of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for healthy adults who are not engaged in regular athletic activities.
For those aiming to build muscle, slightly higher protein consumption is advised. However, exceeding 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight does not yield further benefits for muscle building, according to a meta-analysis mentioned in the Quarks knowledge format. Foods such as eggs, lentils, low-fat quark, peanut butter, and salmon, which contain more than ten grams of protein per 100 grams of product weight, can easily aid in reaching this limit.
Anja Carlsohn questions the necessity of adding protein products to one’s diet, stating, “Why do I have to add something that the body can’t store in muscle mass anyway?” She likens converting excess protein into energy to the negative effects of consuming too much chocolate. Expensive protein products can, therefore, be avoided.
It is important to note that this article provides general information on the topic and is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Individuals with specific health concerns should seek professional medical advice.
Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of machines and carefully reviewed by the editor, Juliane Gutmann, prior to publication.]
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