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Key Functions of Protein

4 key functions of protein in ice hockey

Protein fulfils many important functions in the body. For ice hockey athletes, the main focus is on regeneration, building and maintaining muscle mass, weight control and immune defence. The Swiss sports nutrition manufacturer SPONSER SPORT FOOD has high-quality protein products in its range that meet all needs.

Regeneration
You need the relevant building materials for regeneration and repair of your stressed muscles. For optimal recovery, you should take 20-30 g of quickly available, high-quality protein as soon as possible after exercise. Whey protein is ideal, e.g. WHEY PROTEIN or a recovery shake such as PRO RECOVERY.
Since your metabolism is running at full speed even hours after intensive training and competitions, you should make sure to repeat your protein intake every 3-4 hours. Suitable sources are basic proteins made from multi-component blends such as MULTI PROTEIN or WHEY CONCENTRATE as well as solid foods and protein bars, such as PROTEIN LOW CARB BAR or PROTEIN 36 BAR.
Sleep is the most important phase of regeneration. In order to shorten the catabolic phase, it is advisable to keep the amino acid influx running as long as possible during the several hours of rest at night. Multi-component proteins such as MULTI PROTEIN and CASEIN, known as «night protein», constitute ideal protein sources, grace to their slow and steady digestion.

Strength and muscle building
For your strength and muscle build-up, the same principles apply as for regeneration, but ideally with slightly higher total protein amounts. Notably, it is also important to maintain a positive net calorie balance. This means that more energy must be ingested throughout the day than burned.

Weight control
A regular and increased protein supply also plays a decisive role during such a weight loss regime. On one hand, proteins have a greater effect on satiety than carbohydrates. Furthermore, protein also needs more energy for its digestion by the body, which means less calories consumed net. Proteins are also important during a diet because they reduce the degradation (catabolism) and help to preserve muscle mass and vital structures.

Immune defence
Protein is the main building material and energy supplier of the immune system. Therefore, your protein requirement rises sharply in the event of an infection! In order to stop the spread of viral or bacterial pathogens, a great number of defence cells and immune factors must be produced quickly.

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