Protein is one such major nutrient often overlooked by Indians as required only by the sports people. A recent survey titled ‘Protein Consumption in Diet of Adult Indians: A General Consumer Survey (PRODIGY)’ indicates that 9 out of 10 people consume inadequate amounts of protein in India. Statistics revealed that 93% of Indian population are unaware of ideal protein requirement per day with pregnant ladies on the top (97%), followed by lactating mothers (96%) and adolescents (95%).
Our main diet comes from carbohydrates and fats, and hence we Indians are protein deficient!
How protein deficiency affects our health?
Majority of people in India are vegetarians. Statistics reveals that 91% vegetarians were found to have higher protein deficiency compared to 85% of non-vegetarians.
This does not provide them all nine essential amino acids, making it difficult for the normal functioning of the cells.
Symptoms of protein deficiency include altered loss of muscle mass, skin pigmentation, diarrhea, changes in the color or texture of hair, protruding belly, rashes, and swelling. People with protein deficiency also experience fatigue, lethargy, irritability, and apathy.
A Misbelief – Protein is only required by Sports Athletes
This is the long running misbelief among Indians that protein plays major role only for athletes:
Protein is for everyone and as per ICMR, RDA for normal adult requires 0.8-1.0g per kg ideal body weight. An endurance athlete requires 1.5-2.0g per kg ideal body weight and resistance and strength athletes require 2.5- 3g per kg ideal body weight.
Again the requirement varies according to the age, gender, any disease ailments etc. But, Protein is a must!!
Let’s understand:
It can be difficult to consume all of the protein needed daily through whole foods alone. Supplementing is a great option to ensure adequate protein intake, especially when Indian diets are deficient in protein.
The nutritional gap is also on account of the fact that food today does not have the same quality, and therefore we need to supplement our intake of vitamins and minerals.
Along with the above function, protein plays major role in many body activities:
- Important component of every cell in the body.
- Essential for basic wear and tear of the tissues.
- Essential for strengthening our immune system.
- Regulates the activity of cells and organs by stimulating action of enzymes and hormones.
- Builds lean muscle mass and increases metabolic fat.
- Provides satiety by accelerating action of satiety hormone-Leptin, thereby decreasing binge eating practices. This reduces the risk of obesity to a large extent.
It can be difficult to consume all of the protein needed daily through whole foods alone. Supplementing is a great option to ensure adequate protein intake, especially when Indian diets are deficient in protein.
GNC brings to you wide range of protein supplements which not only caters to sports people but also to common sedentary person. The 80-year-old globally trusted brand ensures quality, potency, and taste of protein supplements.
As your life becomes increasingly hectic, making healthy decisions that steer you toward wellness can be difficult. At any age, it is a challenge to maintain adequate protein levels in your diet.
Don’t compromise on your health as Indians are unknowingly protein deficient. For good health, get protein enriched today!
Click here to know more about GNC Amp Gold 100% Whey
