In the world of bodybuilding, the hottest topic in the gym is always protein and protein supplements. It isn't any wonder, since protein is important for building mass muscle, but there are also three common myths that you are likely to hear about protein and protein supplements as well.
The first myth is that athletes do not actually require extra protein. This myth is absolutely false. A great deal of research has been done in this area, and people who are active simply need more protein. The more active you are the more protein that you need.
Recent research suggests that active people need 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein for each kilogram of bodyweight. This is 150 more than the Recommended Daily Allowance of protein. Strength trainers need even more protein, and 1.7 to 1.8 grams of protein are recommended for each kilogram of bodyweight for this group of people.
Research has also found that athletes who only take in the recommended daily allowance of protein actually lose muscle, instead of gaining it. This is due to a decrease in whole-body protein synthesis, which is common in athletes. The additional protein recommended for athletes helps the body to keep a good nitrogen balance, which is essential to bodybuilding.
The second myth is that high protein diets are unhealthy, or even dangerous. There has been a lot of hype about kidney problems and osteoporosis associated with high protein diets, but there is no medical data to back it up.
Furthermore, it has been found that anyone who suffers from kidney problems, and is also on a high protein diet, had a kidney problem before they ever started the high protein diet. It is true, however, that if you have a pre-existing kidney problem, a high protein diet probably isn't right for you. If you are otherwise healthy, however, this just doesn't apply.
The third protein and protein supplement myth is that all proteins are essentially the same. In fact, protein and protein supplements are not all created the same, and different proteins have different functions for athletes. Different proteins have different amino acid ratios, and those different ratios do have a profound effect on the body, in different ways.
Through science, we now know what makes up a quality protein. Furthermore, we know what those different makeups of a protein do for the human body. When you are ready to start increasing your protein intake, with protein supplements, you will want to learn as much as you can about the various types of protein and protein supplements, to ensure that you are using the protein that is right for you.
Again, when you start bodybuilding, you will hear all sorts of information about protein and protein supplements. Before you buy into any of the hype, you should seek out information for yourself. Find out the truth, uncover the myths, and then do what medical science has proven, and ignore those false tales that there is no medical data to support. There are countless myths about protein and protein supplements. Make it your business to learn the truth. The size of your muscles depends on it.