The Ultimate Guide To Protein For Women & Men

by Sara Banta | Oct 2, 2022 | AHP News, Energy & Performance, Gut Health, Muscle Building, Nutrition, Protein

Whether the goal is to build muscle, optimize longevity, lose weight, or improve overall health, this is the guide to tell you exactly how much and what kind of protein you need.

What Are the Functions of Protein

Here’s a breakdown of the key jobs protein does:

  • Building Blocks: Protein acts like tiny Lego bricks to construct and fix muscles, skin, organs, and other tissues.
  • Speeding Up Reactions: Many proteins are superstar enzymes, accelerating essential chemical reactions in the body.
  • Chemical Messengers: Some proteins act as hormones, sending chemical signals to regulate different bodily functions.
    Immune System
  • Defenders: Antibodies, protein soldiers, fight off invaders to keep us healthy.
  • Delivery Service: Proteins like hemoglobin carry oxygen in the blood, while others store important nutrients for later use.

Why We Need to Eat Protein

We need to eat protein for several vital reasons, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining and supporting various bodily functions. Here’s a detailed look at why protein is essential in our diet:

1. Building and Repairing Tissues

Proteins are fundamental components of all body tissues, including muscles, skin, organs, and bones. They help repair and rebuild tissue after injury or exercise, making them essential for growth, development, and recovery.

2. Enzyme Production

Many enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the body, including digestion, energy production, and cellular metabolism. Without sufficient protein intake, enzyme production can be impaired, affecting overall metabolic processes.

3. Hormone Synthesis

Some hormones are proteins or peptides that regulate bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and mood. Insulin, for example, is a protein hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Immune Function

Proteins are crucial for a healthy immune system. Antibodies, which are proteins, help the body fight off infections by identifying and neutralizing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

5. Transport and Storage

Certain proteins, like hemoglobin, transport oxygen in the blood. Others, like ferritin, store essential minerals such as iron. These transport and storage functions are critical for maintaining proper physiological balance and nutrient availability.

6. Structural Support

Proteins provide structural support to cells and tissues. Collagen, for example, is a structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to skin, tendons, and ligaments.

7. Maintaining Proper pH and Fluid Balance

Proteins help maintain the body’s pH balance by acting as buffers. They also play a role in regulating fluid balance by attracting water and maintaining osmotic pressure within blood vessels and tissues.

8. Energy Source

While not the body’s primary energy source, proteins can be broken down into amino acids and used for energy when carbohydrates and fats are not available, particularly during periods of fasting, intense exercise, or calorie restriction.

9. Satiety and Weight Management

Protein has a high satiety effect, meaning it can help you feel full longer. This can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake and helping to control appetite.

Why We Need Protein for Longevity

Amino acids from protein are the building blocks for all of our tissues and organs, including muscle, and muscle is directly correlated with longevity.
To put it simply, the stronger you are as you age, the longer you will live and the better the quality of life you will experience. There is only one way to maintain muscle and strength as you age: optimize your hormonal health, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and detox properly while providing sufficient amino acids from protein as building blocks for the body.

Sound Simple? Not really! There are many factors that could derail your progress.

Many women and men find it more and more difficult to maintain healthy muscle mass after the age of 40. One of the main causes of failure is consuming the WRONG protein source, which may not only fail to provide the building blocks for muscle, but could also lead to increased fat storage, detoxification backup, inflammation, and disease. It is imperative to focus on the right proteins that the body can utilize efficiently.

In the body, protein is broken down into amino acids. The body then looks for the essential amino acids it can’t make on its own. If the amino acids are there in the right ratio to one another, the body can use them to make new protein. However, if there are some amino acids left over or that couldn’t be put to use, the body can’t store them for later like with fat and sugar. Instead, it converts those leftover amino acids into glucose, burns them for energy, or stores them as body fat.

The Wrong Protein

the wrong protein

There are good and bad (complete and incomplete) proteins. These are the wrong proteins that should be avoided.

Most Protein Powders

Most protein powders see an 80% conversion into sugars and can lead to fat and muscle gain.
People focus on 1 gram of protein = 4 calories, but that is a generalization. Different protein sources have different calorie amounts depending on how much of the protein is used for building new protein versus how much is converted to sugar.

Because protein powders are easily digested, there isn’t the “thermic” effect that you get with animal protein, where 25% of the calories from the protein are used for digestion and turning up the “heat” in the body.

BCAA's

BCAA’s are only 3 of the essential amino acids, but in order to make protein, the body needs all 20 of them. So, BCAAs are mainly converted straight to sugar! These are not only failing to build muscle but are encouraging fat storage.

Whey, Pea, and Soy Protein

Whey, Pea & Soy Protein have just enough essential amino acids to only reach 18% utilization to make new protein. The remaining 82% is converted to sugar.

Furthermore, these proteins could cause inflammation, increased estrogen, leaky gut, high histamine reaction, or allergies depending on which powder is consumed. What’s more, soy is estrogenic and laden with GMOs. This combination can lead to estrogen dominance, toxicity, and disease. Whey comes from dairy, a common allergy, and can cause inflammation and leaky gut in some people. Lastly, Pea protein is prone to mold, and may trigger allergies and inflammation in some people.

Chicken, Conventional Beef, Turkey, and Pork

Not only do these meats cause inflammation with the high levels of omega-6 inflammatory fats, but they contain amyloid proteins which are connected to disease and autoimmunity.

Amyloids are misfolded protein structures that are usually produced in the bone marrow. However, studies now show that the food supply – due to bad food practices – contributes to these externally made amyloids. These proteins don’t get broken down into usable amino acids, but instead, become deposited in tissues or organs like the brain.

These protein structures have been linked to approximately 50 conditions including infertility, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, autoimmune disease and Alzheimer’s.
The way cows and chickens are raised today in crowded spaces can contribute to amyloid buildup in their tissues. When you consume these animal products, you are also consuming the amyloids of these animals. These amyloids can feed pathogens. There has been a new connection between amyloids reactivating other viruses in the body that are fed by amyloids. Thus, it is certain that these amyloids not only fail to provide any usable proteins, but also wreak havoc on the gut, trigger proliferation of pathogens, and cause inflammation and autoimmunity.

The Best Sources of Protein

Accelerated AMINOS™

When it comes to amino acids, quality and absorption matter. Accelerated AMINOS™ goes beyond a standard amino acid supplement, delivering a perfectly balanced blend with 99% cellular absorption to fuel muscle growth, boost energy, enhance recovery, and support brain health. Unlike many other formulas, it includes targeted ingredients that prevent muscle breakdown, accelerate healing, improve endurance, and optimize overall well-being—all in a clean, fast-acting formula designed to work with your body.

Each ingredient plays a unique role in helping your body stay strong, energized, and resilient, no matter your age or activity level. Here’s why Accelerated Aminos™ stands out:

1. HMB (β-Hydroxy β-MethylButyrate) – Protects and Builds Lean Muscle

  • Prevents muscle breakdown, especially during periods of stress, aging, or calorie restriction.
  • Enhances muscle protein synthesis, promoting lean muscle growth.
  • Speeds up recovery, reducing soreness and fatigue after workouts.
  • Boosts strength and endurance, helping you train harder and perform better.
  • Supports fat loss while preserving muscle, making it great for body composition.

2. AstraGin® – Maximizes Nutrient Absorption and Gut Health

  • Boosts absorption of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring the body fully utilizes nutrients.
  • Strengthens gut lining, reducing inflammation and promoting digestive health.
  • Supports a healthy immune system, helping your body defend against illness.
  • Increases natural energy by improving cellular metabolism.
  • Balances blood sugar levels, reducing energy crashes and sugar cravings.

3. Senactiv® – Enhances Recovery and Athletic Performance

  • Removes damaged cells to accelerate muscle regeneration and reduce inflammation.
  • Increases ATP (cellular energy) production, improving endurance and stamina.
  • Supports healthy circulation, ensuring muscles get the oxygen and nutrients they need.
  • Reduces muscle fatigue, helping you recover faster and train smarter.
  • Promotes longevity, supporting healthy aging and long-term vitality.

4. OKG (Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate) – Speeds Up Recovery and Detoxification

  • Enhances muscle repair, reducing post-workout soreness.
  • Improves endurance and blood flow, supporting peak athletic performance.
  • Reduces ammonia buildup, which can cause fatigue and mental fog.
  • Supports wound healing, making it valuable for recovery from injury or surgery.
  • Aids metabolism and fat loss, helping the body efficiently use nutrients.

5. Orotic Acid – Boosts Cellular Energy and DNA Repair

  • Increases ATP production, fueling the body with sustainable energy.
  • Supports cardiovascular health, promoting healthy circulation and blood pressure.
  • Improves endurance, helping you push through intense workouts.
  • Aids in liver detoxification, supporting metabolic health.
  • Enhances mineral absorption, ensuring proper levels of magnesium and calcium.

6. TMG (Tri-Methyl Glycine / Betaine Anhydrous) – Detoxifies and Supports Heart Health

  • Promotes liver detoxification, helping the body eliminate harmful toxins.
  • Reduces homocysteine levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Boosts muscle performance, improving strength and endurance.
  • Enhances mood and cognitive function, supporting neurotransmitter production.
  • Regulates blood sugar, promoting steady energy levels throughout the day.

Accelerated AMINO™ isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about helping your body perform and recover at its best, every day. Whether you’re training hard, staying active, or simply looking to preserve strength and vitality as you age, this formula is designed to fuel your body, sharpen your mind, and keep you feeling strong and energized for years to come.

Wild Animal Protein

Although wild animal proteins may provide only 32% of usable amino acids, they provide the necessary B vitamins, iron, magnesium potassium, and other nutrients needed for protein synthesis and optimal health. Furthermore, the body creates a “thermic” effect and burns 25% of the calories during digestion. The natural balance of the right ratios of amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids triggers a hormone called CCK that satisfies sugar cravings and suppresses the appetite.

Organic Eggs

Organic eggs provide 48% usable protein in addition to a healthy amount of choline that is needed for optimal detoxification in the liver. They also provide other nutrients other than just protein for muscle building, strength, and longevity. Furthermore, organic eggs trigger the thermic effect and the appetite suppressant hormone, CCK.

Sara Banta
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Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.

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Hi, I’m Sara Banta!
I’m a certified natural supplement expert, podcaster, Health Coach, and natural wellness expert. Each week I publish articles on the latest in cutting-edge health supplements and natural health solutions. I also interview leading experts across a wide range of health topics to transform your body, mind & spirit. I’m also the Founder of Accelerated Health Products. Join my mailing list and receive 10% off your first order.

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