In fact, research tells us that protein intake can be just as important if you DO NOT exercise regularly, under conditions like these:
1. Inactivity
Researchers concluded in a review published last year in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care that patients suffering from systemic inflammation and inactivity due to illness may require more protein to maintain amino acid stores and moderate immune functions.
2. Dieting
In this study, when subjects restricted their caloric intake (eating 80% of estimated energy requirements), skeletal muscle synthesis slowed down.
Remember, when you are trying to lose weight, you are really trying to lose FAT, not lean muscle!
3. Aging
This brief article from industry magazine Food Product Design is just one of many discussions about aging and muscle loss, otherwise known as sarcopenia, in nutrition circles.
Read more about protein benefits we've discussed in the passed: healthy immune response, healthy aging, bone health, cardiovascular health...
As always, consult your physician before making any changes in diet or exercise.
