Shake, Shake, Protein Shake!

Grace your muscles with some protein after working out to age with grace

(RxWiki News) We've all heard exercising can slow aging down, but maybe it's not slowing it down fast enough for you. Well, try a protein shake after exercising. Exercising is important for people of all ages, but is especially important as you age.

As we get older, our muscles get weaker. But it doesn't have to be like that anymore! Researchers found that having a protein shake after working out can keep your muscles in shape.  For young people, old people, sick people or healthy ones - exercising and eating right are key to maintaining vitality.

"Drink a protein shake after excercising."

A new study from the Colorado State University attempts to explain how physical activity adds youth and vigor to the aging process.

There were 16 participants age 37 and older who exercised for 45 minutes on a treadmill three times a week for 6 weeks. Researchers measured muscle growth by using ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry methods.

They found that participants who had a protein shake after the treadmill exercise, showed positive changes in skeletal muscle structure. That is, they had better, stronger muscles. As little as 20 grams of protein was all that was needed to produce these positive effects.

Gerald Weissmann, M.D., and Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal says, "You've got to feed your body with the proper nutrients after a work-out. Fortunately protein shakes are cheap, readily available and some say taste good."

So stress your muscles during your workout, then reward them - and yourself- with some protein. You'll both look and feel younger.

Review Date: 
May 27, 2011