We all agree that protein is essential for our bodies. It is needed for stamina, muscle strength, and to nourish and satisfy every living cell in our brain and body. It affects organ function, bones, and even the collagen and elasticity in our skin. It even indirectly contributes to the regulation of blood glucose levels that affects insulin release. Without it....we can drive our bodies into an accelerated aging mode.
So how much of it do we need?
According to Mark Tarnopolsky, M.D. Ph.D who studies exercise and nutrition at McMaster University in Hamiltion, Ontario....a 180 pound man who works out regularly would need 80 grams a day. A highly trained athlete would need 0.77 grams per pound of body weight.
According to the Tara Dellolacono, a nutritional spokesperson for Cliff Bar, women need between 50 and 60 grams of protein a day. It should account for about 20 to 25% of they're total calorie intake.
But what exactly does that mean? Are we talking avid strength trainer here or the average gym member who gets on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 3 times a week?
After an hour of sifting through the data, and interpretations to try to come up with a simplified answer. ......I stumbled upon a genius little tool provided by the University of Maryland Medical System. The Protein Calculator!! By entering my age, height and gender, followed by my estimated activity level and it calculated my required daily Protein intake at 67 grams per day! What's yours?
http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/protein.asp
