Wellness is an important health goal, but foods are still held up for a handful of benefits instead of how they contribute to overall wellness. Amongst the many benefits of milk, did you know that two of the popular benefits of consuming real milk go hand in hand? If you’re choosing milk for its contribution to a healthy immune system, did you know that choosing high-quality protein for immunity offers multiple benefits?
What is Protein? Why Use it to Strengthen Immunity?
Protein is an essential nutrient. It is important because it is one of three macronutrients (in addition to fat and carbohydrates) your body needs each day to function properly.
Organs, muscles, bones, nails, and hair are mostly made up of protein. Protein helps rebuild, maintain and repair body tissues like muscle and nervous tissue. Your body also uses it to make new cells and to create specialized proteins, such as hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen to your body, and antibodies to support a healthy immune system.
Milk and Wellness
That’s right. The protein you want to choose a healthier lifestyle also contributes to the health of your immune system. Choosing nutrient-rich foods is a key step in supporting your immune system, and one of the best sources of cold and flu-fighting nutrients is in your fridge—milk!
Milk is nature’s wellness drink. It and its products are a simple, wholesome way to add wellness to your routine.
Protein is made up of amino acids that help build, repair and maintain body tissues. Of the 21 amino acids, the body makes the 12 nonessential amino acids, but the body cannot make the other nine on its own. Instead, we need to get essential amino acids from the food we eat.
Choosing Your Protein for Immunity
To help you get all the essential amino acids your body needs, choose high-quality protein, including animal-derived foods like meat, dairy, and eggs. Whey protein is naturally found in milk and is a good source of high-quality protein. Whey powder is an easy way to add protein to meals and smoothies.
Not all proteins are equal. High-quality protein found in foods contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. It’s key to get enough protein because diets higher in protein have been shown to help preserve muscle with age, control hunger, and maintain a healthy weight. Plant proteins, such as beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and grains, can also help meet protein needs, but individually they do not provide significant amounts of the essential amino acids the body needs. Instead, you will need to eat a variety of plant proteins to consume an adequate amount of all 9 essential amino acids.