Heart disease kills sixteen million people worldwide every year and accounts for about thirty percent of all deaths in that same time period. In the United States, cardiovascular disease accounts for forty percent of all adult deaths every year (Source: Natural News 2006). The risk factors for heart disease are the same for a number of other chronic, potentially fatal diseases and include: obesity, smoking, genetic or family history of the disease, diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Controlling weight can also improve the other risk factors making it one of the most important.
All three of the macronutrients – fats, carbohydrates and proteins are important; however protein may play a surprising role in not only weight management but heart health as well. Whether protein is coming from food or supplemental sources, it is important to choose the right kind and to get the right amount of it. The American Heart Association recommendation for protein intake is no more than 35% of the daily calories which is more than enough for most people even those who are very active. It is necessary to choose quality protein, no matter how much you really need. (Protein needs are based on weight, health and activity level).
Protein, whether it is from food or from supplements, comes from two sources: plants and animals. Plant proteins, with the exception of soy protein are incomplete because they lack one or more of the eight essential amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. There are twenty amino acids in all; the body can make eleven of them on its own. Each amino acid is used for a different function in the body including making hormones and enzymes that are then used for digestion, sleep, and ovulation. Soy proteins and soy products are complete because they contain all of these amino acids.
All animal products are complete proteins, however there are some that are far better choices than others because of the fat and calorie content. For those who are eating for better heart health, choosing animal proteins that are lower in saturated fats is very important to reduce the cholesterol in the diet. Meats are good sources of proteins of course, but other animal protein foods include low fat dairy products and eggs. The egg is considered to be the perfect protein because it is all bio-available (all the protein in the egg is used by the body). All other protein sources are judged in relation to the egg.
Supplements of every type are made from either plants or animals and in some cases, both. Protein supplements can be a very beneficial part of a heart healthy diet as long as they are:
– High quality protein
– Low in calories
– High in additional nutrients
– Low in simple or added sugars.
Protein supplements should also be free from artificial ingredients. All ingredients should be clearly listed on the label- if you do not know what is in it, don’t use it!
What Protein Does in the Body for Heart Health?
Protein has a number of roles in the body from building and maintaining lean muscle mass to a role in the central nervous system. Protein is found in the hair, skin, eyes, nails, and all of the organs. In fact, next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the human body (Source: womens-health-fitness.com). Protein is used in the body:
– To build connective tissue
– To build, repair and maintain contractive tissue
– To build cell membranes
– As part of the bone matrix
– To maintain fluid balance
– To regulate the ph balance of the blood
– For the formation of hormones and enzymes of the body
– As part of the immune function
– To make neurotransmitters (these are used to send nerve messages from each area of the body)
– To create RNA and DNA
(Source: Nelson, 2009)
Each type of protein may affect heart health differently though, with whey and soy protein being suggested as especially beneficial for a number of reasons.
Whey Protein and Heart Health
Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese making, a derivative of milk. It contains a mixture of very beneficial nutrients including an antimicrobial property called lactoferrin that is useful for healing wounds (Source: The Whey Protein Institute). While there are a number of benefits to whey protein, there are some risks as well. Too much whey protein can cause liver damage. Whey protein is not for those who are lactose intolerant (whey protein isolate has less lactose and may be okay.)
Whey protein may help to improve blood vessel function including improving blood flow and blood pressure. A whey derived peptide (NOP-47) also improves vascular function.
This is the most common protein supplement and comes in two different forms, the isolate and the concentrate. Whey protein concentrates are the least expensive and typically have between 30-85% proteins. Whey protein isolates have 90% protein and again, have far less lactose than the concentrate. Whey protein is not appropriate for vegans but ovo-lacto vegetarians can use it in their diet.
Soy Protein and Heart Health
Soy protein in all of its forms is beneficial to heart health. Two daily servings of protein may lower the blood cholesterol by nine points and may also lower the blood pressure (Source: Natural News, 2006). Soy can be found in tofu, miso and tempeh as well as in edamame and soy milk. In addition to these, soy is also available in meat substitutes like veggie burgers and similar products. Protein supplements made from soy are derived from soy flour and can be used to improve the nutritional value of other foods. Soy protein is suitable to vegans and is a complete protein.
Other Protein Supplements and Heart Health
Using a protein supplement as a meal replacement or a snack can be a good way to lose weight, beneficial to your overall health as well as to the heart health. Protein helps decrease hunger allowing you to eat fewer calories without feeling deprived. Profect from Protica is a good between-meal snack because it stabilizes the blood sugar while providing high quality protein – 25 grams per serving with a low calorie count (100 per serving). Profect has 100% of the day’s Vitamin C, 10% of the daily supply of Vitamin B complex and comes in a number of flavors including: Blue Raspberry, Cool Melon Splash, Grapefruit-Mango and Fresh Citrus Berry. Protein bars in comparison can have as many as 180 calories but only 12-15 grams of protein (depending on brand and size, of course).
Because heart health depends on the right amount of each nutrient, it is important to make sure that you are discussing your individual needs with your doctor. Getting the right number of calories every day is important to overall health, including cardiovascular health. Anyone with suspected or confirmed heart disease should be following doctor’s recommendation for nutritional needs and guidelines.
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 weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright