Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, kills over sixteen million people worldwide every year, for a total of 30% of all deaths occurring. In the United States, the rate is 40% for all adult deaths that are directly related to cardiovascular disease. In most of these cases, cardiovascular disease is caused by increased blood pressure, higher-than-average blood cholesterol and other causes, most of which are related to the diet. (Source: Natural News 2006)
Most adults eat food on the run, when they remember to eat at all. They choose fatty fast food over easy-to-prepare, fresh foods at home because they think that it is saving them time. It is more likely that it is shaving time off of their life expectancies as they gain more and more weight, fight higher cholesterol levels and face a number of dangerous, potentially lethal diseases. There are 34 million people who are considered to be obese, with 20 million people at any given time on a diet of some form or another. (Source: www.med.Stanford.edu) Many of them will turn to outrageous diets that will have them eating a single food source and ignoring all others, eliminating whole food groups entirely or worse, trying to stick to long-term, all liquid diets. Protein is important, but so are carbohydrates and fats. The healthy diet that is recommended by the American Heart Association is not one that is difficult to manage. All three of the macronutrients are important, but must be consumed in the right a mounts and be of the right types. There are many different kinds of proteins; it takes the right kind to be part of the heart healthy diet.
The Types of Protein
There are two types of protein that come from a number of different sources. The two types are complete and incomplete. A complete protein is one that has all eight of the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine. These eight are considered to be essential because the body cannot make them on its own and must get them from food sources. In children, a ninth amino acid, histidine, is considered to be essential as well, but most adults can synthesize this on their own. (Source: The Vegetarian Society). An incomplete protein is one that is missing at least one of the essential amino acids.
Protein comes from different sources, including animals, plants and supplements. Most protein supplements are based on either natural source, with most brands using a blend of proteins from both animal and plant sources. Animal sources of protein are always complete and may be the most efficient, and are typically the cheaper source for protein supplements. Animal proteins, in addition to providing high-quality protein, are also rich in nutrients, with most providing at least ten different vitamins and minerals in abundance. (Source: Freitag, December 2009)
Plant based proteins are all incomplete, with the exception of soy, which is the only complete plant protein. Grains, nuts and seeds, for instance, are low in isoleucine and lysine, while legumes tend to be low in tryptophan and methionine. (Source: Best)
It is important to get the right amount of protein to meet your daily nutritional needs and to get the right kind of protein. If your body is not getting the right amount, it will continue to eat until the right level is reached, leading to excess calories and weight gain.
Protein Supplements
There are several types of protein supplements, including:
– Liquid protein supplement shots
– Protein shakes
– Protein powders
– Protein snacks, like puddings and bars
For each of the types of protein supplements, there are pros and cons. Liquid protein shots are fast and easy to consume, tend to be small enough to carry in a pocket or purse and should be low in calories but high in high-quality protein. Profect, from Protica, is only 2.9 fluid ounces and 100 calories but gives 25 grams of protein per serving. It also comes in a number of different flavors and is packaged in a unique, unbreakable plastic vial for easy use. The ingredients of Profect include collagen protein isolate, ion-exchanged whey isolate and caseinate isolate, all balanced to have an amino acid profile more like that of the average human, making it more easily digested as well. (Source: Protica.com)
Is Soy and Whey the Way to Go for Heart Health?
Research studies have suggested that the protein in soy and soy based products, in addition to being the only non-animal, complete protein source, may lower blood cholesterol as much as nine points and may also lower and maintain normal blood pressure. Positive changes in these two factors may be enough to lessen the chance of heart attack and stroke in some people. (Source: Natural News)
Soybeans have been used by humans as a food source since the 11th century B.C., with the Chinese cultivating it as a meat alternative. Soy comes in a number of different forms, including tofu, (firm or soft, depending on your need), soy milk, soy nuts, edamame, tempeh and miso. In addition to protein, soy provides phytoestrogens, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, potassium, folate, magnesium and selenium. (Source: Pratt and Matthews, 2004) Soy has the advantage of being able to be used in a wide number of ways and can be made to taste like virtually anything. For those who are eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is one of the most important food sources, especially for protein. Firm tofu can be cut up and used like a meat in savory dishes, while soft or silken tofu can be blended into side dishes or used to create desserts.
Whey protein or foods made with whey protein may improve blood vessel function in healthy people because of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting activity. ACE inhibitors stop or slow the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, which leads to better blood flow and better blood pressure. (Source: Mercola 2009). Whey protein has been used since the time of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, in 420 B.C., when he would routinely prescribe it to his own patients for a number of complaints and illnesses. Whey protein is a natural byproduct related to milk and cheese production and has a number of additional benefits as well. These include:
– Helping insulin to work better, maintaining blood sugar levels following a meal and promoting healthy insulin secretion.
– Helping with the optimal intake of the macronutrients, protein, fat and carbohydrates as well as the micronutrients for overall health.
– Supporting the immune system.
– Helping to preserve lean mass by creating the bioavailability of amino acids and cysteine.
– Helping to maintain the normal blood pressure.
The whey-derived peptide NOP-47 has also been shown to improve vascular function.
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 liquid protein for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright