What role does protein play in an athlete's recovery?

Protein plays a crucial role in an athlete's recovery by helping to repair and build muscle tissue that may be damaged during exercise. After physical activity, particularly high-intensity or resistance training, the muscles experience micro-tears. Consuming protein provides the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and recovery. This process not only aids in restoring muscle function but also supports the adaptation process, allowing athletes to build stronger muscles over time.

Ensuring adequate protein intake is vital, as it helps increase muscle protein synthesis, which is the body's process of building new proteins. This is especially important for athletes who are aiming for improved performance, muscle growth, and reduced soreness after workouts. Hence, incorporating protein into a post-exercise recovery strategy is widely recommended among sports nutrition experts to optimize recovery outcomes.