A healthy diet isn’t just something people do to lose weight. Everyone needs to eat a healthy diet, with all of the right vitamins and nutrients in order to be healthy. Protein is one of those important nutrients, and a lack of protein can play a role in a number of health issues, from low blood pressure and heart rate to edema.
Malnutrition is another disease that is caused by a lack of the right proteins. In many third world countries, children are dying because they are not getting the protein, and other important nutrients, they need in their diets. Many children who are weaned often suffer from the protein deficiency kwashiorkor, and many develop marasmus. This is a condition that results in the wasting-away of body tissue, and results in growth and developmental issues.
In addition to malnutrition, not getting the right amount of protein can cause other health issues, including cirrhosis of the liver, and the shrinking of muscle tissue. Some patients are known to suffer from a condition known as congenital protein C or S deficiency, which can cause problems with blood clotting, and many people who do not get enough protein in their diets develop thrombosis.
What Is Protein?
Protein is a macronutrient that the body needs for survival. This macronutrient is comprised of chains of amino acids, and contains hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. Protein is necessary for tissue health, including muscle growth and recovery, and it is also a source of energy. Our fingernails, toenails,and hair are made from protein, and without the proper amounts of the right proteins in our diets, we are subject to a great number of health issues, including heart disease, osteoarthritis, and colon and breast cancers. There are two types of proteins, complete and incomplete.
Essential Amino Acids – These are called essential because the body absolutely has to have them, but can not produce them on its own. There are eight essential amino acids, and a lack of even one of these can cause a number of health issues, because without it, the other proteins in the body are not able to create it. The eight essential amino acids are lysine, leucine, valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan.
Non-Essential Amino Acids – The 14 non-essential amino acids are called this because although they are necessary, the body is able to produce them itself. These amino acids are apartic acid, cystine, glutamine, alanine, asparagines, glycene, histidine, l-arginine, cysteine, taurine, serine, proline, threonine, and glutathione.
Complete Proteins – These are dietary sources of protein that contain all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. There are many protein supplements that are made from whey, soy, and rice, which are all considered to be complete proteins. Rice protein is also great for people who are lactose intolerant, or have allergies, because it is a hypoallergenic protein.
Incomplete Proteins – Incomplete proteins do not have all of the essential and non-essential amino acids, but, contrary to popular belief, you can still get the recommended daily intake of protein with incomplete protein foods by eating them in combination, or with complete proteins.
Protein Supplements For Disease Prevention
Whether you are skipping meals (especially breakfast), eating junk food, or just not eating a proper diet that will give you the protein you need, you are not getting the recommended daily intake of protein in order to keep your body strong and healthy. Therefore, you need to take steps to see to it that you get the nutrients your body needs. One way you can do this is by using protein supplements. When you use these, not only are you getting the protein you should be getting in your diet, you will also be getting many other important vitamins and nutrients.
There are many types of protein supplements, from powders to liquids to capsules. Each does the same thing, but they can all be used in different ways. Here is some information about protein supplements that will help you when it comes to deciding which type is better for you and your family.
Liquid Protein Supplements: You can get liquid protein supplements that can be added to many recipes, including home-made shakes and juices. Also available are convenient, ready-to-drink protein drinks that are portable, so they are essentially a meal-on-the-go. These delicious drinks come in such flavors as chocolate and vanilla (for a really tasty treat, add a teaspoon or so of coffee to one of these drinks).
Proasis from Protica is the first all-natural liquid protein supplement that you can use. It is both cold and heat stable allowing it to be boiled or frozen. Proasis is cholesterol and fat free, stimulant free and is low in sodium. It comes in a number of fruit based flavors.
Protein Powders: When it comes to using protein powders, you have a number of options as to how you use them. Unflavored protein powders can be added to many of your favorite recipes that you cook all of the time, or to just about any beverage. Or, you may want to try one of the flavored powders, and create some really tasty shakes and smoothies. Protein powders are available in such great flavors as vanilla, chocolate, berry, and fruit punch.
Protein Shots: This is another form of liquid protein supplement, only smaller. These tiny drinks really pack a booster, with 25-30 grams of protein per shot. Protein shots can be found in many delicious flavors, including sour apple, grape, cherry, and raspberry. They are available in health food stores, department stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
Protein Capsules: This is an extremely convenient way to get your protein, and really, there is no excuse you could possibly have for not taking protein capsules. All you have to do is pop a couple with your favorite beverage (water, milk, or juice is recommended), and you’re done. These capsules have a concentrated form of protein, and are a great way to supplement your diet.
When you are using protein supplements, it doesn’t mean you no longer need to eat a healthy diet. There are many nutrients you need that only certain foods can provide, and if these foods, such as red meat and milk products, are not in your diet, you are not getting everything that you need to remain healthy.
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 bullets for renal care patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright