Protein - the dietary substance that gives us our muscle and makes look like fine specimens of the human race. It’s one of the most vital elements of our diet (but then again, everything is) and it is one of the key participants in some of our body’s most important processes. You just can’t do without it.

Meat-eaters have a much bigger advantage here; they simply have many more sources from where they can get their protein. However, vegetarians aren’t too restricted. India is an example of a country whose citizens are predominantly vegetarian. A quick glance at a typical Indian meal will show you that vegetarians do indeed have a few choices for their protein needs.

It’s important that you make sure that there’s some protein on your plate every day.  In this article, we’ll focus on why you should be eating more protein, sources from where you can obtain it, the role it plays in bodybuilding. Read on to learn more.

Why You Should Meet Your Daily Requirements of Protein

Many parts of your body, such as your hair, are made up of mostly protein. A lower protein intake means you’re making vulnerable these parts of your body. Of course, there’s more to protein than that.

You make your muscle from protein. It’s used to build more muscle and repair muscular tissue as well. This is why bodybuilders drink those protein shakes. It gives them an energy boost and repairs damaged muscle after a tough workout.

Then there are those vital processes we were talking about earlier. Proteins are used in some of the fundamental components of the human body, like enzymes and hormones. For the proper production and functioning  of these substances, you need to take a sufficient amount of protein.

Protein plays smaller parts in other parts of the body as well, but we’ve talked about the major roles it performs.

Sources

Yes, meat eaters are far more spoilt for choice than vegetarians when it comes to their protein needs. Now, that doesn’t mean vegetarians are left hanging. Most Indian households have got a stock of rajma, various dals and soya that is more than adequate for your protein requirements.

The ever present Indian Dal is the main source of protein for the Indian. It tastes great and there are many varieties of dal.

Rajma is the next great source of protein for vegetarians. Rajma contains other elements of a good diet, such as fiber, so it’s well worth considering.

Rounding off the Indian source of protein is Soy. It is incredibly healthy and the usual go-to protein source for a recently turned vegetarian.

Then there are the slightly more exotic sources of protein like, which is also rich in fiber. You could also try chia and hemp seed, both of which boast of other benefits. Hempseed in particular is something to behold. It contains plenty of amino acids and many minerals. Chia on the other has lots of Omega-3 Fatty Acids which is a very healthy element for the body.

Exercise/bodybuilding

Since protein plays such a critical role in building muscle, bodybuilders focus on getting as much of it as possible. Some turn to protein shakes, made from whey protein and the like, while others go for an all natural diet. Whatever the case, if you want build a lot of muscle, you’ll need a lot of protein. This isn’t just for building of muscle, it’s also for the repair of it.

If you want to build muscle, you’re going to have to up your protein intake. This could be either in the form of protein powder or an increase in your regular diet.

You’ve heard the arguments in support of protein and the decision should be obvious. Don’t take in too much protein, however, because that can affect you quite badly. You should apply the rule of moderation here as well. Keep the points in this article in mind and your body will be thankful.