The Role of Animal Proteins in Tissue Repair and Injury Recovery

13 Feb 24
Eben van Tonder

Introduction

My primary thesis in this series is that meat-based nutrition is remarkably complete and easily accessible to the human body. It is important to all humans but especially to athletes who train hard and who are involved in extreme sports like UFC fighters. Many of the expensive supplements can be discarded simply by following a meat-based diet. In this article, I want to focus attention on the value of meat proteins.

Meat Proteins are Gold

The most basic building block of meat is the protein. They are essential for life. When we ingest them they are broken down by our digestive system into the tiny building blocks of proteins called amino acids. Our bodies break the proteins down into their building blocks and then use the building blocks to “build” new proteins for various functions within the human body. Amino acids in turn are the building blocks of proteins. Our bodies are unable to create all the amino acids required. This is the most fundamental aspect of nutrition.

The proteins it can not create itself are called essential, meaning they must be part of what we eat which is the only way we can get it. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized (created) by the body. In contrast, nonessential amino acids can be produced by the body. Animal proteins (meat) are complete proteins, containing all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. This completeness is vital for the body to synthesize (build) its own proteins, a process where these amino acids are assembled into specific sequences based on genetic instructions, enabling the body to perform various functions like muscle repair and enzyme production. They are used for a variety of important functions. For instance, some are involved in supporting the immune system, aiding in wound healing, and providing energy for the body. Others play a role in neurotransmitter production, which is crucial for brain function and mood regulation. Essentially, these amino acids contribute to maintaining the overall health and proper functioning of our bodies, even though we don’t need to obtain them directly from our diet.

The earliest humans ate meat. Meat is the only source we have that contains all the essential amino acids we need but can’t create ourselves. Meat not only contains all the essential amino acids, but it also contains them in sufficient quantities. This completeness is vital for the body to synthesize or build its own proteins, a process where these amino acids are assembled into specific sequences based on genetic instructions, enabling the body to perform various functions like muscle repair and enzyme production. The body uses the building blocks of the animal protein to build its own proteins but when it builds its own protein, it does so according to the blueprint of its own DNA and not according to the blueprint of the animal’s DNA.

The essential amino acids are key in muscle building and repair, others are important for maintaining healthy skin and hair, and some play a role in the proper functioning of the digestive and nervous systems. Essential amino acids are integral to producing hormones and enzymes that regulate bodily functions. The essential amino acids are Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.

Having established the supreme value of meat, I want to remind you why I chose the UFC fighter and their nutritional demand to highlight the value of meat-based nutrition.

Birth of the UFC

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was created by Art Davie, Rorion Gracie, Robert Meyrowitz, and John Milius. The first event was held on November 12, 1993. Rorion Gracie, from the renowned Gracie family, wanted to create a tournament to showcase Brazilian jiu-jitsu as the most effective martial art, allowing fighters from different disciplines to compete under minimal rules. Art Davie proposed the business idea, Robert Meyrowitz’s Semaphore Entertainment Group provided the pay-per-view platform, and John Milius contributed to the conceptual framework of the event. The UFC has since evolved from its early no-holds-barred roots to a highly regulated and mainstream sport.

The UFC fighter’s body requires ultimate nutrition due to the intense training they undergo as well as the physical nature of this fighting sport. It is like other top contact fighting sports like boxing, and judo. In the realm of contact sports, UFC fighters are subjected to one of the highest risks of injury, a consequence of the sport’s intense physical demands and the diverse range of techniques employed during combat. This accentuates the nutritional needs associated with this sport.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the foundation of UFC, amalgamates striking, grappling, and submission techniques, exposing athletes to a broad spectrum of injury risks including, but not limited to, concussions, fractures, and soft tissue damage. As outlined earlier, the UFC’s multifaceted approach contrasts with the more specialized physical demands and injury risks associated with sports like boxing and judo, thereby necessitating a comprehensive strategy for injury prevention and recovery.

Image: The 10: The Biggest Fights in UFC History | UFC

The Role of Animal Proteins in Recovery

For athletes, particularly those in high-impact sports such as UFC, the nutritional strategy for recovery is paramount. Animal proteins play a critical role in the repair and rebuilding of tissues damaged during intense physical encounters. Animal proteins, rich in essential amino acids, serve as the building blocks for new proteins, facilitating the repair of muscle fibres, connective tissues, and even bone structures impacted by the rigours of combat.

Protein Synthesis and Tissue Repair

Protein synthesis is a biological process in which cells generate new proteins. This process is crucial for repairing tissues damaged during physical activity. The body prioritizes repairs based on the severity of the damage and the physiological demands on specific tissues. For example, muscle tissues undergoing frequent and intense use during a fight might receive priority in the repair queue. The synthesis of new protein strands to repair or replace damaged ones is influenced by the availability of amino acids, which are more abundantly and readily available in animal proteins.

Animal proteins contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health, making them complete proteins. This completeness is vital for initiating efficient repair processes. After consumption, the body breaks down dietary proteins into their amino acid components, which are then transported to various tissues to support growth, repair, and maintenance processes.

The Advantages of Animal Fats and Proteins

Beyond amino acids, animal proteins often come with associated nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to improved recovery times. These nutrients support not only the physical repair processes but also the inflammatory response necessary for recovery, enhancing overall healing.

Animal fats, particularly those from fish and grass-fed meats, provide omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of injury recovery, reducing inflammation can be crucial in speeding up the healing process and returning athletes to training and competition more quickly.

Comparison with Plant-based Proteins

While plant-based diets can offer health benefits and are an essential part of a balanced diet, plant proteins are typically incomplete, meaning they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Athletes, especially those in high-demand sports like UFC, might find it challenging to rely solely on plant proteins for their recovery needs. The bioavailability of nutrients in animal sources is generally higher than in plant sources, meaning the body can absorb and utilize these nutrients more efficiently.

Conclusion

The recovery process is as critical as the training regimen for UFC fighters. Incorporating a diet rich in animal proteins and fats can provide the essential nutrients necessary for efficient tissue repair, reducing recovery times, and maintaining optimal performance levels. While plant-based proteins and diets play a significant role in overall health, the unique benefits of animal proteins in the context of injury recovery and tissue repair cannot be overlooked. Ensuring a balanced intake of these nutrients can help athletes navigate the challenges of recovery, returning stronger and more prepared for the demands of their sport.

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