Protein.
It’s a buzzword nowadays. Super-useful in the fitness world for energy and muscle recovery and a major player in the keto / paleo / low carb diet industry.
So - what is it?
Here’s a dictionary definition from Collins:
Phew - a bit science-y?!
Where do we get it from?
Well - from Biltong products, obviously, or we wouldn't bang on about it! But it's not just found in the tasty South African snack.
Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, are fantastic sources of protein, containing the full range of essential amino acids required for a healthy adult’s diet. Plants also provide a variety of proteins: many beans, pulses, nuts, and some cereals, all have high protein levels.
The British Nutrition Foundation is an excellent informational source on this and many other food and nutrition topics: read more about protein on their website.
OK - so why do we need it?
1 - Protein is essential for growth and repair of the body and maintenance of good health. We need it to make enzymes, antibodies, hormones and other vital body chemicals.
2 - It is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
3 - It is a component of every cell in our bodies. For example, hair and nails are mostly made of the protein a-keratin.
4 - Protein provides energy. 1gm provides 17 kJ (4 kcal). In fact, protein provides the body with approximately 10 to 15% of its dietary energy and the recommended amount of daily protein for an adult diet is around 50gm.
5 - Of all the food groups, protein keeps us feeling fuller longer, reducing the levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and boosting the levels of peptide YY, that makes us feel full.
6 - Athletes involved in endurance sports, or regular weight-training, may benefit from increasing their protein intake, according to their needs and routines: see point number 4 :-)
7 - Ageing: increasingly, studies show that we may benefit from eating more protein as we get older. The loss of muscle mass and weakening of the skeletal strength (sarcopenia) are classic causes of frailty and reduced movement in older people and a healthy dose of protein can certainly help slow the process down!
See our blog Seven Good Reasons To Eat Biltong for more fabulous benefits of eating biltong products and buy biltong online here
