When it comes to eating healthy, there are certain things that each and every one of us need to have in our diets. There are three macronutrients that are necessary for survival: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. According to the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, the average adult should have a diet that is made up of 50% carbohydrates (yes, contrary to popular belief, we do need carbohydrates), 15% fats and 35% proteins. Too much protein can be as bad as not enough protein, so there needs to be a healthy balance of nutrients. Too much protein can lead to serious health conditions, including kidney and gall stones.
Protein plays a vital role in every function of our bodies. It is necessary for having strong, healthy muscles, as well as other soft tissues, and, it is a natural source of energy. There isn’t a part of our bodies that doesn’t rely on protein. In fact, even our hair, skin, fingernails, and toe nails are made from protein. If you have dry hair or brittle nails, it may be because you are not getting enough protein in your diet.
Delicious Dietary Sources of Protein
There are all kinds of ways to get the protein you need in your diet. All animal proteins are complete, and some healthy and tasty foods that are protein-rich include fish, lean red meat, and white meat poultry. Eggs are complete proteins, as well as milk products, which should always be low-fat. Plant-based proteins are incomplete, and must be eaten in combination to get the full benefits, with the exception of soy, which is a complete protein. Some popular plant-based proteins include rice, nuts, whole grains, beans of all kinds, and potatoes.
Protein Supplements are a Popular Choice When the Diet Doesn’t Provide Everything You Need
Often, when people are not getting the protein they need from dietary sources, it is recommended that they try using a protein supplement. These not only provide plenty of protein, they are also loaded with other important vitamins and nutrients. Protein supplements are a great way for people to get the nutrition they need, even when they don’t think they have time to sit down and eat a meal. They can be used as meal replacements, and many can also be added to meals to increase the protein in the meals.
There are many different sources of protein that are used to make protein supplements. The type you choose really depends on your tastes, and your protein and nutritional needs. Some of the more popular proteins used in supplements include whey, casein, soy, rice, and egg.
Whey – This is a by-product of the cheese-making process. Whey is considered to be a complete protein, and is extremely popular, not only because it is easy to digest, but also because it is one of the most inexpensive types of protein supplements. Because whey is a milk derivative, it may not be the ideal choice for those who are allergic to dairy products or who are lactose intolerant.
Casein – This is another milk derivative. In fact, casein is where whey actually comes from. Casein is another complete protein, and can even be used by some people who cannot digest whey due to allergies or intolerances. Casein is slower to digest than whey, and the two are often used in combination to get the maximum effects.
Soy – Soy is the only vegetable-based protein that is a complete protein. Soy is not always easy to digest, and some people may find that they need to use a different type of protein supplement. Because soy is plant-based, it is the ideal protein supplement for vegetarians.
Rice – Although it is an incomplete protein, rice is an excellent choice for protein supplements. Because it is hypoallergenic, it is ideal for those who have intolerances or allergies to other types of protein supplements, such as whey or casein. Rice protein is virtually flavorless, so it can be added to all of your favorite recipes. And, rice protein is extremely easy to digest, so it is great for those who have stomach troubles.
Egg – This is considered to be a perfect protein. Egg protein is a complete protein, and was used by athletes and others long before protein supplements were created. Today, instead of drinking raw eggs (like we have seen in many movies and television programs), eggs are used to make delicious protein supplements. Egg protein may not be the best supplement for those who are allergic to poultry or eggs.
Types of Protein Supplements You Can Try
When it comes to protein supplements, there are all kinds available on the market today. This can be quite confusing to those who have never used supplements before, and they may not have any idea which ones would be best for them. For example, some people are very busy and do not have time to cook. These are the people who really need the ready-to-drink liquid protein supplements, which can be taken anywhere and are loaded with protein and other vitamins and nutrients. Other popular types of protein supplements include protein powders and liquid protein shots.
Protein Powders – Here is the most versatile type of protein supplement available. You can get flavorless protein powders, which can be added to all of your favorite recipes for an added boost of protein and other nutrients. And protein powders come in many delicious flavors, so they can be used to make shakes and smoothies that can be taken on the go.
Liquid Protein Shots – These are becoming more and more popular these days, probably because they are convenient, small (so they are not too filling), and low-calorie. Many people are enjoying Profect by Protica, a liquid protein shot that provides 25 grams of protein in each serving. Profect is great for people who are on low-calorie diets, because it only contains 100 calories per serving, and it has no fats or carbohydrates. Profect also contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, as well as 50% of the B complex vitamins. And Profect comes in many delicious flavors, including Blue Raspberry and Fresh Citrus Berry.
As with any diet, it is important to discuss any dietary changes, including the use of protein supplements, with your physician before actually starting the change. Your physician may have some advice about which supplements are best for you and will know what you need in your diet to stay strong, healthy and happy. You may also want to discuss your diet with a nutritionist or dietitian, who can help you make the best choices for your body.
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 liquid for renal care patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright