The benefits of high protein diets are still a source of debate, but a substantial amount of research favors the results, including weight loss and improvement in health and energy levels (see Resources).
Appetite Control
Proteins take longer to digest than carbohydrates. Therefore, when protein is eaten, the feeling of satiety is extended during the lengthier metabolic process of digestion (see Resources).
Insulin Response
Proteins stimulate only a minimal insulin response and help avoid the rapid energy swings associated with eating some carbohydrates (see Resources).
Muscles
Protein builds muscle mass, the goal of most dieters because muscle tissue is metabolically active and burns more calories than fat. Increasing muscle allows dieters to avoid a drastic decrease in caloric intake in order to lose weight (see Resources).
Bonus for Dieters
Some proteins--red meats, for example--are considered thermogenic or negative calorie foods because they require more calories to digest than they contain (see Resources).
Bodybuilding
Weightlifters and bodybuilders often use protein-only diets along with exercise to facilitate the development of muscle mass (see Resources).
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