Chalk Up Another Win For Protein

Posted at 23:3 on Jun 27, 2011 by Muscle Blog

Today, an inside look at some more new research that highlights the importance of extra protein when you’re stepping up your cardio and dieting hard.

Although the study was carried out on highly trained male cyclists undergoing intense training, the principles still apply to strength athletes, rugby players and the like.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of increased protein intake on short-term decrements in exercise performance during a block of high-intensity training.

The researchers split the subjects into two groups.

The first group consumed a normal protein diet (1.5 grams per kilogram of bodyweight).
Group two followed a high-protein diet (3 grams per kilogram of bodyweight).

To put these numbers in context, an individual weighing 80 kilograms would have been eating around 120 grams of protein per day on the normal protein diet, and 240 grams of protein per day on the high-protein diet.

Dietary carbohydrate remained constant at 6 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day in both groups.

Both groups completed two 3-week trials both divided equally into normal, intensified, and recovery training. During the high-intensity training block, the men doubled their normal training volume and intensity.

The research reveals that the increased protein intake had a number of important benefits.

Firstly, during the high-intensity training block, the drop in exercise performance in the high-protein group was a lot less than in the normal protein group.
The high-protein group also experienced a reduction in the psychological symptoms of stress. The researchers think that the increased availability of amino acids, tyrosine in particular, helped to improve mood in the high-protein group.
There were also signs that the higher protein intake helped to strengthen the immune system, which is often weakened during periods of intense training.

“Additional protein intake,” conclude the researchers “reduced symptoms of psychological stress and may result in a worthwhile amelioration of the performance decline experienced during a block of high-intensity training.”

Ed’s Note: One of the best ways to top up your protein intake iswith Promax,Cyclone,Progainor Promax Extreme, all of which provide the high-quality protein your muscles need to repair and recover from intensetraining.

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