Why We need Protein in a Program for weight loss
Protein does play an important role in a healthy program for weight loss. It is considered as “building blocks” as it is responsible for the growth and repair of tissue (especially muscle tissue) in the body as well as functions as enzymes, as transport carriers and as some hormones.
We need to eat protein in a healthy program for weight loss as protein has the highest thermogenic effect if compared to carbohydrate and fat. Thermogenic effect refers to the calorie-burning process of digestion. It occurs when protein molecule is simplified to amino acids, carbohydrate to simple sugar, and fat to fatty acids.
Studies revealed that it took as much as 30% of the calorie value of protein to break down to acid amino, while it took only 2% of the calorie value of fat to break down to fatty acids. This means for every 1000 calories of protein we consume, 300 calories are used in digest process, leaving only 700 calories for body usage. Isn’t it pretty cool? We only have 700 calories counted for every 1000 calories of protein we eat. That is why you must include protein in your program for weight loss.