Does Protein Build Muscle? Here's What You Should Know

You've seen the massive bodybuilders at the gym, sipping on protein shakes to aid in muscle recovery. Protein supplements aren't just for serious powerlifters with massive physiques, though. Protein helps your body to build lean muscle, too. This macronutrient is the key to maintaining a svelte, athletic figure, too. But how does it work?

Protein, Muscle Growth and Recovery

To understand the vital role protein plays in muscle growth, you need to first understand how your body builds muscle in the first place.

When you work out, either at home or the gym, the goal is actually to cause microtears in the muscles themselves. At this point, your body begins to work to repair those tears to weave myofibrils, which attach to the muscle tissue damaged by your workout. These myofibrils leave muscle tissue larger and more powerful than it was before the microtears cause by your workout.

Your body is able to build the myofibrils that make up new muscle tissue by directing an ample supply of specific amino acids through your liver, and directly the muscle tissue. Amino acids result from your body breaking down dietary protein, so making sure your protein intake is sufficient is the foundation of the whole process. Stem cells and growth hormones are essentially the workers, and amino acids are their tools to get the job done properly.

Your body does not store protein, and the work of rebuilding muscle starts when your workout ends. The biggest person in the gym knows they need to consume protein within 30 minutes of finishing a workout to ensure their bodies don't start breaking down proteins in the skeletal muscles.

Getting Enough Protein in Your Diet

Red meat may be the first thing you think of when it's time to pack the protein into your diet, but it's just as rich in fat and calories as it is protein. Also, finding time for a good workout and a full meal can be a challenge for today's overscheduled, overworked woman.

High-quality protein supplements make boosting your protein intake quick, delicious and easy. Microfiltered whey isolate supplements, like Pinup Girl Protein, supply all nine essential amino acids in a tasty package, too.

Give your body the fuel it needs to build the long, lean muscles of your dreams!