We need protein in our diets in order to survive. It’s as simple as that. But, protein is also necessary in the prevention and treatment of a wide array of serious health issues, including some cancers. Protein is what makes our muscles grow properly, and even our hair and fingernails are made from protein.
Eating a diet that is high in protein has a number of excellent long-term health effects, including lowering the risk of heart disease, especially in women. In some cases, high-protein diets can even help to reverse some of the effects of heart disease.
One of the ways to prevent and treat heart disease is with a low fat, low carbohydrate diet that is high in protein. There are many ways to accomplish this, with loads of delicious foods that are healthy for your diet, and absolutely loaded with protein. Some foods you may want to consider incorporating into your diet to help build your immune system and fight any number of health issues, including heart disease, include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, whole grains, beans and milk products.
Studies have proven that a diet high in protein foods can help treat existing heart conditions. A French study that was published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, shows that survivors of heart attacks, after altering their diets to include such protein-rich foods as beans and whole grains were more than 50% likely to not have a repeat performance of their heart attacks.
Protein Facts
Not only is protein useful in helping prevent and treat a number of diseases, protein is necessary for survival. Protein is a macronutrient that is made up of chains of amino acids. Protein contains nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, and there are 22 amino acids that protein provides for our bodies, eight essential amino acids and 14 non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are named so because the body is unable to produce them, so we must get these proteins from dietary sources.
There are two types of protein: complete and incomplete. Complete proteins are proteins that contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins do not contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids, but when eaten in combination, you can get the proteins you need to maintain a strong, disease-free body.
Protein Supplements When Your Diet Just Isn’t Enough
If you are not getting the protein you need from your diet, you may need to use protein supplements. You may think of bodybuilders and athletes when you think of protein supplements, but studies have shown time and time again that taking dietary supplements can benefit anyone. The average adult needs as much as 75 grams of protein daily (100 grams for pregnant or nursing women), and if you don’t have the best eating habits, and tend to eat unhealthy foods or skip meals, protein supplements are just the thing you need.
There are different types of protein supplements, and each one works just as well as the other. It’s really all just a matter of taste. Powdered supplements are extremely versatile, and can be used in many recipes, including shakes and smoothies. They are available unflavored, or in such delicious flavors as berry, fruit punch, chocolate, and vanilla.
Liquid protein supplements are another convenient option. Flavorless supplements can be added to your favorite dishes, and there are flavored liquid supplements that work great in shakes and smoothies. There are also liquid protein shots, which provide 25-30 grams of protein per serving, nearly half of the recommended daily intake. You can also get many ready-to-drink liquid protein supplements, which can be found in health food, department, and grocery stores, pharmacies, and even some local corner stores.
Types of Protein Found In Supplements
There are many food proteins found in protein supplements, and the one you choose depends on your tastes, lifestyle, and certain health factors, such as allergies and food intolerances. One of the most popular proteins found in supplements is whey protein. This is a derivative of milk, and a bi-product of the cheese-making process. Because whey contains all 22 of the essential and non-essential acids that make up protein, it is considered to be a complete protein. Those who are allergic to milk products, or are lactose intolerant, should opt for a different type of supplement, such as rice.
Some of the other popular protein supplements include:
Soy Protein – Soy is a vegetable-based protein, so it is the ideal protein supplement for vegetarians. It is also great for people with allergies to milk and milk products. Soy is another complete protein, and it is often used by dieters, because it has no cholesterol or saturated fats, and has a low glycemic index, so it will not cause spikes in blood glucose levels. Soy protein is also good to help reduce bad cholesterol.
Egg Protein – This is thought to be one of the greatest forms of natural protein. The yolks, which are the least healthy part anyway, are useless, because all of the protein in eggs comes from the whites. There are many protein supplements available on the market that contain egg protein. If you have allergies to eggs or poultry, this is a type of protein supplement that you should avoid.
Casein Protein – Casein is another milk derivative, and is what whey protein originates from. Although it is slower to digest than whey protein, which goes to work almost immediately, its effects last longer. Many people recommend that you use a combination of whey and casein proteins, so that you get the best benefits from both. This is another protein that is not good for people with allergies to milk and milk products.
Whey/Soy Isolate Protein – These proteins are pretty much the same as regular whey/soy proteins, except that they are much higher in the concentration of protein. Because of this, you are getting a much better protein than if you were just using the regular products, as much as 98% of the daily recommended intake. Whey/Soy Isolate protein supplements are more expensive than other supplements.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein drinks for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright