Protein is a Necessary Building Block for our Health
Immunity is being discussed now more than ever. Regardless of our circumstances or lifestyle differences, protein is a constant foundational structure that’s important to discuss and understand. Our immune health is key to our body’s defenses and protection against any viruses or infection so that we can continue living a healthy and full life. What many don’t realize, however, is how protein intake directly affects your immune system and health.
At Vejo, we’re focused on your overall health and protein plays a critical role in maintaining it. It’s one of the key reasons we’ve developed protein blends like Banana Almond, Spiced Chocolate, and many more. Explore the connection between protein and immune efficiency, and how you can improve your overall health with our specialized Vejo blends.
A Vital Part of Your Immune Health
Proteins generally form the building blocks of many components in our body, including antibodies, essential proteins for a healthy immune system’s fighting abilities. Having this awareness and consciously consuming proteins in our diet can create indirect and direct, beneficial effects on immune health. Take inflammation, for example, which is a root cause of poor immune health. Inflammation occurs as a result of over-consumption of processed foods and high amounts of sugar.
Although sugar is absolutely vital to life and provides quick energy for our bodies, the overconsumption of sugar has very negative effects on the body. Excessive intake increases the storage of body fat and raises one’s body mass index (BMI). BMI is a strong indicator of a healthy immune system,, taking into account a person’s height and weight proportions.
Balanced diet is key here, and protein plays a big role in maintaining that systemic balance. When we eat a well-balanced meal containing protein, carbs, and healthy fat, we receive a more sustained curve of energy—compared to an erratic and rapid rise and fall of sugar. Consumption that is well-rounded and nutritionally rich also leads to reduced cravings for additional sugar.
Are You Getting Enough Protein?
An individual's protein needs are based on a variety of factors, including body size, level of activity, and health goals. In general, people need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to maintain basic physical functions. However, this can be as high as 1.2 to 1.8 grams per kilogram for more active individuals. An active, 150-pound person, for example, may consume up to 120 grams of protein daily.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Individual protein needs are based on a variety of factors: body size, level of activity, and health goals. In general, people need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to maintain basic physical functions. This varies and may be as high as 1.2 to 1.8 grams per kilogram for more active individuals. For example, an active, 150-pound person may consume up to 120 grams of protein daily whereas it might not take as much for a sedentary, or less active, person.
Are You Getting the Right Protein?
There is a wide range of protein sources. Most obviously, you can find protein through animal products, like beef, poultry, fish – just about any meat. In recent times, we’ve seen an increase in plant-based protein options as well, ranging from quinoa, bean, soy, to pea protein powders.
The most important thing to consider is diversity of diet. It’s always a good idea to find protein from a wide range of sources so you can take advantage of the specific nutrients that each has to offer—for example, your body benefits from the iron and minerals in meat differently than from the fiber and vitamin C in quinoa.
How Vejo Can Help
We’ve made it easier than ever to get a diverse range of proteins, not to mention the dozens of nutrient-rich ingredients included in Vejo blends. We have six great blends that will certainly help increase protein in your diet.
Banana Almond & Spiced Chocolate: These delicious Vejo blends are a solid source of plant-based protein, with 7 grams each and an added benefit of potassium from the organic banana. Both blends also contain a 2:11 carb-to-protein ratio, which is ideal to kickstart muscle recovery after workouts.
Whey Coffee & Whey Mocha: For post-workout recovery with a boost, we recommend these two great blends. They each have 9 grams of organic whey protein. This protein contains high amounts of the amino acid leucine, which aids in delivering more protein to your muscles, helping recovery. With 160mg of caffeine in each pod, this could be your perfect, energizing snack after a morning workout.
Plant-Based Protein Chocolate & Plant-Based Protein Vanilla: Formulated with an array of organically sourced ingredients, these blends are an excellent source of protein with a smooth and creamy vanilla bean flavor or a rich cocoa taste. Pea protein is the best plant-based protein for optimal absorption and contains all 9 essential amino acids. These blends improve protein metabolism, muscle growth, and optimizes digestion.
A balanced approach is the best for our immune health. From sleep to sugar intake, many activities directly affect our immune response and ability, and protein is a key component of that system. By consuming an adequate amount of daily protein with our Vejo blends, you’re creating a healthy balance that gives your immune health the boost and nutrients it needs to thrive.