Aging and Protein: Resolving the Paradox
As we grow older, eating sufficient protein becomes even more important. At the same time, protein kickstarts aging pathways. What’s going on?
Protein, bro
Have you heard the latest magic word in dietville, fitnesstown, and healthcity? That’s right, protein. We’ve got everything, from protein ice cream to protein pizza, each of which comes with the promise of losing fat and building muscle. Magic, I tell you.
Or maybe it’s just good marketing.
Of course, protein is important (but you’re probably already getting enough of it). As one of the three macronutrients (besides carbohydrates and fats), protein fulfills a variety of functions in our bodies. Any fervent gym-goer will be able to tell you that protein is important for building muscle. Many of the structural parts of muscle tissue are proteins (such as, for example, the actin and myosin that enable muscle contractions).
When we work out, we damage muscle tissue. Our bodies respond by repairing it until it’s bigger and stronger than before. (That, by the…
