Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet is crucial for supporting general health and well-being. But how much protein do you need, and what are the best sources of this vital macronutrient?
As a functional medical doctor, I often recommend Equip Foods Prime Protein to my clients. With 21g of bioavailable, complete protein from grass-fed beef per scoop, it’s an excellent source of the building blocks your body needs for muscle maintenance, growth, and more. Plus, the grass-fed beef ensures a high-quality protein source rich in essential amino acids. It also has zero unhealthy fillers and only organic natural flavors.
The Role of Protein in the Body
Proteins are the foundation of our bodies, contributing to the formation of bones, cartilage, muscles, blood, skin, enzymes, hormones, and even vitamins. They’re indispensable for growth and development, repairing and building cells and tissues such as muscle, and they play a significant role in critical body processes like blood clotting, fluid balance, and immune response.
Proteins comprise building blocks called amino acids, some of which our bodies can produce independently. These are referred to as nonessential amino acids. However, there are nine amino acids that our bodies cannot produce and must obtain through the foods we eat. These are called essential amino acids, and they are vital for the proper functioning of our bodies.
Essential Amino Acids
There are nine essential amino acids that your body can’t make on its own, so you need to get them from your diet. They are:
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
Best Sources of Complete Proteins
So, where can you find these essential amino acids? Complete proteins and foods containing all nine essential amino acids are the best sources. These include:
- Meat (beef, pork, poultry, and fish)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt)
- Eggs
- Organic soy products (tofu, tempeh, and edamame)
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Spirulina
Remember, variety is the spice of life! Eating a mix of these foods will ensure you get all the essential amino acids your body needs to stay healthy and strong.
Check out my free guide: How Protein Isolate Can Boost Your Bloodwork
Fueling Your Engine: How Protein Powers the Human Body
Muscle Maintenance and Growth: Protein is the building block of muscle. It’s like the construction crew for your muscles, repairing and rebuilding them after a workout or injury. When you lift weights or engage in resistance training, you create micro-tears in your muscle fibers. Protein is the primary nutrient responsible for repairing and rebuilding those muscle fibers. Without enough protein, your body won’t be able to repair the damage adequately, and you’ll miss out on muscle gains.
Enzyme Production: Enzymes are like the little helpers in your body, speeding up chemical reactions and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They’re made of protein, so if you want your metabolism to work efficiently, you must fuel it with protein. Enzymes act as the workers on the assembly line in your body, taking raw materials from your food and turning them into something useful.
Hormone Regulation: Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, telling different cells what to do. Many are made of protein, so if you want your hormones to function correctly and avoid mixed signals, you must ensure adequate protein intake. Hormones coordinate various bodily functions; the system can become unbalanced without enough protein.
Immune System Support: Your immune system is like your body’s army, fighting off invaders like bacteria and viruses. Antibodies, the soldiers of your immune system, are made of protein. Ensuring you get enough protein can help your immune system produce the antibodies to protect you from illnesses.
Protein is Necessary for Even More Functions
Transportation Services: Hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your blood, is essential for keeping your cells well-oxygenated. Without sufficient protein, your cells would struggle to get the needed oxygen.
Structural Support: Collagen, the most abundant protein in your body, provides structural support to your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, giving them strength and flexibility.
Energy Production: When your body is low on carbs and fats, it can turn to protein for energy. Protein is a backup energy source, ensuring your body continues functioning even when other fuel sources are depleted.
Satiety and Weight Management: Protein takes longer to digest than carbs or fats, keeping you feeling full for longer. It also has a higher thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it. This can help with weight management and reducing overall calorie intake.
Brain Function: Some neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Ensuring you get enough protein can support optimal brain function and mood regulation.
Conclusion
Protein is like the Swiss Army knife of the body, with numerous essential functions. Ensure you get this vital nutrient to keep your body running smoothly. Equip Foods Prime Protein makes getting high-quality, complete protein from grass-fed beef easy, ensuring you have all the amino acids your body needs to thrive.
Dr. Jess Healed Herself With Equip Foods Protein
Dr. Jess is committed to recommending the best quality supplements to support holistic health, and Equip Foods Protein stands out for several reasons:
Equip vs. Others
- No Junk: Unlike many other protein supplements, Equip Foods Protein contains no chemicals, fillers, artificial flavoring, or coloring. It’s just pure, high-quality protein.
- No Filler: Equip ensures that every scoop is packed with essential nutrients your body needs without unnecessary additives.
- No Artificial Flavors: Equip uses natural ingredients to flavor their protein powders, avoiding any synthetic additives.
- Third-Party Tested: Every batch of Equip Foods Protein is third-party tested for quality and purity, ensuring you get only the best.
Three Choices for Fueling Your Body
- Relying on Food Alone:
- While relying solely on whole foods for your daily nutrient intake is ideal, it’s often impractical. The cost, time required for preparation, and the uncertainty of food sources can make it challenging to meet your nutrition goals consistently.
- Turning to Other Supplements:
- Many supplements on the market are filled with chemicals, fillers, and artificial ingredients, providing more junk than beneficial nutrients. A quick look at their labels compared to Equip Foods reveals the stark difference in quality.
- Using Equip:
- Equip Foods offers doctor-developed blends made from 100% real food. Their ingredients are carefully sourced and third-party tested, ensuring you receive only the essentials and nothing else.
Prime Protein by Equip
- High-Quality Protein: Each scoop of Prime Protein provides 21 grams of bioavailable, complete protein derived from grass-fed beef, with 30 servings per bag.
- Digestibility: Enjoy your protein without the bloat. Prime Protein is easily digested, making it gentle on your stomach.
- Minimal Ingredients: Each bag contains only a handful of carefully sourced, real-food ingredients. The unflavored version contains just one ingredient: grass-fed beef.
- No Additives: Prime Protein contains no added chemicals, fillers, binding agents, artificial coloring, or sweeteners. The flavored versions use stevia, while the unflavored version is stevia-free.
Prime Protein vs. Other Supplements
| Feature | Prime Protein | Other Competitors |
| Protein per Serving | 21g | 15g |
| Calories per Serving | 100 | 180 |
| Carbs per Serving | 2g | 15g |
| Whole-Food Ingredients | Yes | No |
| Tastes Like Dessert | Yes | No |
Why Use Beef Over Other Protein Sources (Like Whey)?
- Nutrient-Rich: Beef protein is packed with collagen, gelatin, and micronutrients that support overall health. It avoids common soy, dairy, egg, or whey protein allergens.
- Health Benefits: Studies have shown that beef protein can more effectively enhance strength, hypertrophy, and fat loss than whey.
- Great Taste: Despite its nutritional benefits, Prime Protein tastes like a dessert, making it a delicious addition to any drink or recipe.
Pure and Clean
- No Unwanted Additives: Equip Foods Protein is free from gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, whey, antibiotics, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
- Doctor Developed: Formulated by Dr. Anthony Gustin, a functional medicine and sports rehab clinician, Equip Foods Protein is backed by science and designed to meet the highest health and nutrition standards.
Dr. Jess trusts Equip Foods Protein to provide the pure, high-quality nutrition needed to support a healthy, holistic lifestyle. Choose Equip for a protein supplement that aligns with your health goals and provides natural, whole-food ingredients. Use code DRJESS to save 15% by clicking here: https://www.equipfoods.com/products/prime-protein-beef-isolate-protein
