Using Protein as a Source of Energy

Many people think that in order to get a quick boost of energy, they need to have a cup of coffee or something else that is high in caffeine. What a lot of people don’t know is that they can get a shot of energy which will continue working for them throughout the day. What is this miracle energy drug? It’s no drug - it is protein.

Protein is a macronutrient that we need in order to remain strong and healthy. It is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and maintenance. Our hair and nails are made from protein. In fact, if we do not get the amount of protein that we need in our diets, we actually risk developing a condition known as protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). When we hear about children dying of starvation in third world countries, this is usually the condition that they have died from.

It’s no secret that protein gives us energy, and there are many great food sources where you can find all of the protein that you need to get you through the day without needing a caffeine fix. If you are on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, but find that you don’t have enough energy, there are plenty of ways that you can rectify this just by making a few simple changes in your diet. Don’t worry; you will still get to eat plenty of delicious foods.

Dietary Proteins for Increased Energy

As previously mentioned, there are lots of tasty foods that are loaded with healthy proteins and are still diet friendly. So, you will be getting the protein that you need and still lose weight. One of the best ways to get enough protein is to drink milk and eat more dairy products. Yogurt is extremely high in protein (nearly 13 grams per serving), and so is a glass of milk (make sure it is skimmed so that you don’t get the extra fat). Cheddar and mozzarella cheese are also packed with protein and are recommended for many diet plans.

Here are some other protein-rich foods that will give you plenty of energy without a lot of calories:

Beans: Most types of beans, including string beans, are loaded with protein, and most are diet-friendly. Soy beans are extremely high in protein, and because soy contains all 22 essential and non-essential amino acids, it is considered to be a complete protein.

Nuts: Not just a delicious snack, nuts are protein-packed and loaded with other vitamins and nutrients as well. When it comes to eating nuts, you need to watch the fat and calorie content. For example, cashews, although high in protein, are also extremely high in calories. Try almonds instead, as they are also high in protein but not as fattening. When buying nuts of any kind, make sure that they are unsalted.

Peanut Butter: When talking about nuts and protein, we can’t leave out good old peanut butter. This is a favorite of many children and a terrific way to get them to eat healthy. Spread some peanut butter on one of the newer whole grain breads that looks and tastes like white bread, and your kids will never know that they are eating something healthy that will give them the energy to play.

Eggs: Here is a really versatile, high protein food. There are so many things that you can do with eggs, from using them as a stand-alone meal or snack to using them as ingredients in other recipes. For a delicious, protein-rich meal, scramble two egg whites with one egg yolk and a little bit of skimmed milk. When the eggs are cooked, spread on whole grain bread for a filling, scrambled egg sandwich.

Meat, Fish, and Poultry: These are all excellent dietary sources of protein. Red meat should be lean, and for the best diet results, keep your poultry intake to white meat. Fish is a great source of protein, and if you are in a hurry, here is a delicious protein-rich snack that will give you a boost of energy: spread some tuna on top of a whole grain cracker, add a slice of cheese and a few olive slices, and top with another cracker. Two or three of these is a filling, energy-boosting snack.

Get Energy With Protein Supplements

Sometimes you don’t have time to eat a full meal or you just aren’t hungry enough to eat everything that you need to make sure that you get all of the protein your body requires. When you aren’t able to eat a meal, you can still get your protein with protein supplements.

Protein supplements are a great way to get the protein that you need, and provide you with the energy that you need to get you through your busy day. You can incorporate them into a number of your favorite recipes, or if you aren’t looking for a meal, there are plenty of delicious protein-rich drinks that you can purchase or make at home yourself.

Profect by Protica is a good supplement: it has 100 calories, 25 grams of protein, zero fats, and zero carbs. In addition, Profect supplies 100% of the daily value of Vitamin C and 10% of the B complex vitamins.

Powdered Protein - This is an incredibly versatile form of protein supplement. Protein powders are available in a number of flavors from chocolate and vanilla to berry and fruit punch, and there are also unflavored protein powders which are great to add into recipes. With powdered proteins, you can make up delicious energy-boosting slushies, smoothies, and shakes that are packed with protein, portable, and not nearly as filling as a meal. These are ideal meal replacements for dieters and your kids will love them too. Here is a recipe for a sour slushie that you and your kids will want to make every day:

- 1 C Sugar-free lemonade

- 1 C Mixed frozen strawberries and raspberries

- 2 Scoops berry or fruit punch protein powder

- Ice

- Lemon juice

Mix the lemonade, berries, protein powder and ice in a blender. For a super-sour slushie the kids will love, add a couple of squirts of lemon juice.

Liquid Protein - These supplements can be used as meal replacements, either as a stand-alone drink or incorporated into other recipes. Many liquid supplements can also be used in shakes and smoothies, or you can buy pre-made protein shakes that you can take anywhere with you. If you are lactose intolerant, make sure that you read the ingredients before purchasing any liquid protein to make sure that it is not made from milk products.

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 immunodeficiency patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Kidney Health Nutrition and Understanding Your Lab Values Through its Stages

After being diagnosed with kidney disease of any kind, many people will be faced with a lifetime of doctor visits, specialists, lab tests, dietary and fluid restrictions, and changes and the looming possibility of dialysis or the need for a kidney transplant if the disease continues to progress.

Medications and diet will be important to keep this from happening, which makes it even more important for the patient to pay careful attention to what is said by the nutritionist during each stage of kidney disease. While some will be lucky enough to slow or stop the progression of the various forms of kidney disease, it is very important to note that even if you do everything the way that you are supposed to, the disease may still move forward and become more serious.

One of the things that you will have to deal with is the constant need for many lab tests, which starts with a blood draw or a urine sample. In those who have serious kidney disease, a port may be placed so that the doctor can have constant access without having to puncture a vein each time. The port can also be used to give medications and can be more convenient, but can also be problematic because it needs specific care either by the patient, the patient’s family or, in some cases, a visiting nurse or care provider.

Some of the lab tests that you will need to have during treatment for kidney disease include:

Serum creatinine: muscle activity in the body creates creatinine, a waste product that is normally removed by the action of the kidneys. This tends to be one of the first waste products that start backing up in the blood vessels, which marks the start of kidney trouble.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): this rate determines how well the kidneys are functioning. A GFR that is below 30 indicates a problem and will warrant the need for a nephrologist (a kidney specialist). Any GFR below 15 indicates that the problem is serious and there will be the need for dialysis, and it may indicate the impending need for a kidney transplant.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): when the body breaks down proteins, not only from the foods that you eat but from normal metabolism as well, urea nitrogen is formed. This normal waste product is usually filtered from the blood by the kidneys and can rise if the kidneys are failing or if the patient is eating more protein than the body can effectively handle. The BUN can drop if the patient is eating too little protein as well.

Urine Protein: protein is a vital macronutrient, used by the body for a very wide range of systems and functions. Your body also creates some protein from other forms to be used for other reasons. The kidneys filter protein and protein byproducts from the bloodstream when they are working correctly; however, when they are not, protein will accumulate in the urine. Although there are other instances when protein can be detected in the urine, persistent, detectable protein levels in the urine is an early sign of impending kidney disease or damage.

Microalbuminuria: in those who are at higher risk for kidney disease, including those who have other conditions like high blood pressure or a very serious family history of kidney disease, this test will be used to detect even very small amounts of protein in the urine before the amount gets high enough to be detected by less sensitive tests.

Ratio of Protein to Creatinine: for some patients, the doctor will ask for a 24 hour sample of collected urine, which will show him how much protein is found in the urine each day. This test can be complicated because it relies on the patient collecting all urine for a full 24 hours, storing the container in their refrigerator and then bringing it to the lab the following day for testing. Instead, the doctor may choose to use the protein to creatinine ratio, which will estimate the amount of protein that is excreted in the urine instead.

Serum albumin: the body uses protein that it gets from food to create other types of protein, amino acids, hormones and enzymes. Albumin is one of these body proteins. Low levels of this in the blood can be caused by not receiving the adequate amount of protein in the diet or enough calories. It is also important to note that the body cannot store protein and needs new sources of it every day. Even a small amount of blood albumin can cause serious health problems, including the inability to fight off infections.

Normalized protein nitrogen appearance or nPna: this test is often used by the doctor to tell if you are eating enough protein or, in some cases, too much. The testing is done by collecting urine and blood samples, and you may be asked to keep a food diary as well.

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA): this testing may be asked for by the nutritionist rather than the kidney specialist and is used to check for symptoms of nutritional problems. The testing is done by asking questions about the daily diet, completing a weight check and a check of the fat and muscle amounts in the face, arms, hands, shoulders and legs.

Hemoglobin: the blood is made of several parts, including the hemoglobin, which is the part of the red blood cells that work to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A low level of hemoglobin indicates anemia. Treatment for anemia includes iron and a specific hormone.

Hematocrit: this is the measure of how many red blood cells your body is actually making. A low value for this test also indicates anemia.

TSAT and Serum Ferritin: these tests both measure iron in the body.

PTH or Parathyroid Hormone: an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous in the body can result in high levels of PTH and can cause bone disease.

Calcium: because calcium is vital to healthy bones and may be leached out during some forms of kidney disease, the level will be checked.

Phosphorous: a high level of this mineral can lead to weak bones. The doctor and nutritionist may put you on a phosphorous-restricting diet and may also give you a medication that will bind the remaining phosphorous in foods.

Potassium: this mineral is needed by the body so that the heart and other muscles work properly. The level of potassium has to be balanced or it will weaken muscles and can lead to heart irregularities.

(Source: National Kidney Foundation)

Blood and Urine Tests, Good Nutrition and Protein Supplements: A Case Study

Dave has kidney disease. At this point, he does not need to have dialysis; however, he does come to the lab very frequently to have blood work and to give a urine sample. He has had to do the 24 hour urine collection a time or two and is glad that the doctor has switched to using the protein to creatinine ratio instead. His overall diet was fairly healthy, but the nutritionist suggested that he change his fat intake to healthier Omega-3 fatty acids over the other, less healthy fats that he was eating and to increase the amount of protein and calcium in his diet. He will include a protein supplement because he’s had a lower appetite lately.

After trying protein shakes, Dave started using a new supplement, Profect, from Protica. Because it is so small, Profect can be consumed in a few seconds. While it only has 100 calories per serving, it gives Dave a high amount of digestible protein. He aims for two servings of Profect each day and then tries to increase his dietary protein from healthy plant sources for the rest of the day. On days when he simply cannot eat healthfully, he ups his intake of Profect to maintain his levels.

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 shots for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

- Gender and age

- Exercise and activity level

- General health status

Everyone knows that the amount that you weigh will change your overall nutritional needs. Obviously, a 250 pound man will need more food in general to maintain his current weight than a 150 pound man or a 150 pound woman, for that matter. To determine how many calories you actually need to consume to remain healthy, to maintain your current weight or to lose weight, you need to calculate your base metabolic rate (BMR) and your activity rate. The formulas for doing so are very general and can be off by several points, so if you can have these determined professionally, do so.

To get your estimated BMR:

- Multiply your desired weight in pounds by 8 and then add 200. For example, if a woman wanted to weight 140 pounds her formula would be 140 x 8=1120 +200= 1320.

To find out how many calories that you burn from typical, physical activity:

- Multiply the number of minutes spent walking by 4

- Multiply the number of cardiovascular and strength exercises by 8

Finally, to find out the amount of calories that you need to eat each day:

- Add the number that you got with the BMR formula to the number that you got from your activity level. To lose one pound of weight per week, a healthy and achievable rate, you decrease the total by 500. If that goal number is lower than 1000, however, consult a doctor for advice.

(Source for all formulas: You On a Diet, the Owner’s Guide for Waist Management. Roizen, M.D. and Oz, M.D.)

The average person typically needs around 30-35% of their daily calories to come from healthy protein sources, which again, will vary depending on how many calories you actually need. Healthy protein sources include low fat animal proteins, like chicken, turkey, some cuts of beef, low fat milk and cheeses. In addition, plant protein sources are usually healthier and lower in calories. Another option is including liquid protein supplements or other supplementary sources in your diet, so that you are getting the right amount of protein without adding unnecessary, additional calories each day.

Gender and Age for Protein Needs

Men tend to need more protein than women do, however, it may be related to the fact that they are bigger and tend to weigh more rather than a physiological need for more protein. Some protein needs might change with age however, especially when the metabolism changes and the body starts to slow down slightly. The type of protein that is needed by older adults might change as well, with many needing a source that is easier to digest and metabolize. If meat sources have become difficult to manage, then plant-based proteins might be a good replacement. In addition, the older adult is a perfect candidate for liquid protein shots such as Profect, which is made by Protica.

Profect is a single serving protein supplement that can provide the correct amount of protein in around 100 calories. It is less than three ounces and can be consumed in a few seconds and carried anywhere. It is perfect as part of the daily diet of the older, active adult.

Exercise and Activity Level

The actual amount of exercise that you get every day can greatly influence how much protein you really need. We have all seen the huge jars of whey protein powder in the health food stores and other areas. Some people may think that this is what is meant by protein, since they may not realize that there are many sources of protein, including vegetarian sources. Protein is used by the body a number of ways, including to build, repair and maintain lean muscle mass, however, not all protein that is consumed will become muscles.

The myth that the more protein that you eat, the more muscle mass you will create is a common one, but it is simply a fallacy. If you eat more of any type of nutrient, regardless of what it is, you will not build lean muscle mass, but instead you will gain weight. We increase the amount of food and nutrients that we need by burning what is consumed. We lose weight by burning more than what is taken in. We do this by increasing the amount that we move around. That is why it is so important to incorporate exercise into any weight loss plans or efforts.

A sedentary person will need a minimal amount of protein, perhaps as low as .4 grams per kilogram of body weight. Those who do light to moderate exercises might increase their need to .5-.8 grams per kg of body weight. Intense exercisers might need up to a full gram of protein per kg of body weight, with intense exercise defined as moderate to intense exertion for 30-60 minutes at least four days or more per week.

Body builders, especially those who have supercharged their body to nearly twice their normal size, need even more protein per kg of body weight, but do not need to go above 1.5 grams per kg. It should be restated that the body builders do not get huge because of excess protein. They do so because of their genetics and intense workout efforts, coupled with good, balanced nutrition.

General Health Status

For the normal healthy person, the amount of protein that they need will vary between .4 grams per kg of body weight and 1 gram. Once you have learned how much protein that you need per day, you can start working out the proper eating plan that gives you good nutrition and adequate, healthy protein for your body’s needs. However, there are some conditions that might require extra protein on a temporary basis. These conditions include:

- Sickness, especially with fever

- Trauma or accident

- Burns

- Those recovering from surgery of any kind

The Conclusion

Protein is a vital nutrient used for a variety of body functions. Not only does protein play a role in the building of lean muscle mass, it is vital for every cell in the body. Protein is transformed into enzymes which are then used to push biochemical reactions forward. These reactions are used to carry compounds across the membranes and through the blood in every part of the 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 liquid protein for cancer patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

How Your Body Uses Protein

The body relies on three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fat, as well as many micronutrients. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, protein is not easily stored in the body, however, it will store protein just like the nutrients if there are too many calories consumed. Fat is the easiest to digest for the body. The body digests carbs based on what kind they are. Simple carbs are fast and easy to digest and lead to sugar spikes that can cause weight gain. Complex carbs, on the other hand, take longer for the body to digest and do not contribute to the sugar spike, insulin surge cycle.

Proteins are the hardest for the body to digest and start burning energy from the moment that they enter the blood stream. Proteins, in addition to being slow to digest, are vital for every cell in the body and play a major role in a number of functions. Despite the importance of the nutrient, there is an upper limit to the amount of protein that is needed by the body. Ironically, the need for protein is never greater than in the first six months of human life, when pound for pound, the protein need is double what it will be for the rest of life, no matter what the circumstance or life stage.

Some of the Roles of Protein

The most obvious role of protein is in the creation and repair of muscles, but there are countless others. These include:

- Building of connective tissue

- Building cell membranes

- Contributing to the bone matrix

- Regulating the pH balance of the blood

- Forming hormones and enzymes, including those that play a role in the regulation of sleep, digestion and ovulation

- Boosting immune function (antibodies are proteins)

- Creating new blood cells

- Creating RNA and DNA

- Creating neurotransmitters

(Source: Nelson, 2009)

The Digestive Process of Protein

All proteins are made of a number of amino acids. While the human body can create many of these amino acids on its own, there are eight which are not made in the human body and must come from food sources every day. These are called the essential amino acids. A protein is either considered to be complete, meaning that it has all eight of the essential amino acids, or incomplete, meaning that it is lacking one or more of them. These eight amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine. Animal proteins are complete, while most plant proteins are not.

These amino acids are technically simple compounds created from molecules of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen. Each of the amino acids will link together to form a chain, which are then referred to as a peptide. The average peptide will have over 500 amino acids in it.

Each protein is broken down into the simple amino acids during the digestive process. These in turn are absorbed and used by the body to make new amino acids, enzymes and hormones.

During digestion, the protein is first sent to the stomach, where hydrochloric acid in the stomach’s gastric acid breaks it down into its first components. The gastric enzyme pepsin, which is the only protease able to digest collagen, a protein in animal connective tissue, digests the amino acids. (Enzymes are classified as either proteinases or proteases.) The next step in the process takes place in the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine. Here, the pancreas will deliver its own protease enzymes, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Trypsin works to break down the protein into amino acids through a process called hydrolysis, where a water molecule is inserted between two amino acids to break their bond and separate them. At this point in the digestive process, the amino acids are small enough to pass through the intestinal lining and throughout the rest of the body.

During exercise, the production of the body’s proteins is decreased. The remaining protein is then converted to free amino acids and used for fuel for the working muscle groups. After the exercise is done, especially in the case of heavy resistance training, the rate of protein synthesis remains low while breakdown rates remains elevated for about twenty four hours. Without a new source of protein during this, the recovery period, the breakdown will likely exceed that of synthesis and the body will turn to its own muscles for fuel.

Evaluating Proteins

All proteins, especially those being used by elite, endurance and strength athletes, are evaluated on two scales. The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAA) judges the completeness of a protein. A complete protein, meaning one that has all eight essential amino acids, will earn a score of 1 on this scale. The second score is the biological value (BV) score, which will judge how much of a protein is actually retained by the body after it is broken down. All protein types are often judged against the egg on this scale because it scores 100, meaning that all of the protein that you get from eating an egg is retained by the body. Unless you are an elite athlete, it is not likely that you know or care about the PDCAA or BV score of your protein, and there are simpler ways to evaluate the foods and supplements that you consume.

Your proteins should be low fat, especially in saturated fat. They should be low in calories, or at least not extremely high in calories in relation to the portion size. Finally, they should taste good and have other nutritional benefits as well.

Protein supplements should be high in protein but low in calories and should not have added sugars or fats. Read all labels carefully, since some of the brands of protein bars are trying to pretend to be healthy when they bear little difference from the average candy bar.

Know Your Protein Need

From the infant in his cradle to the elite body builder to the old man who is playing shuffleboard, all humans need protein. Their actual need is as individual as they are, based on their age, their health, their weight and their activity level. Protein is important, but it can also be dangerous when consumed in extremely high amounts. The experts suggest that the upper limit is no more than 35% of the total daily calories, even for the elite athletes. As mentioned before, there is no greater need for protein than during the first six months of life, when the baby should be getting 2.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight. The elite body builder, on the other hand, should be getting around 1.6 grams per kg of body weight. (Source: US Guidelines on Protein and Nutrition) For the average sized man, that translates to roughly about 60 grams of protein per day, or about 8 ounces of meat. Women need less protein than men, unless they are pregnant, when the need increases dramatically. However, when a woman is not pregnant, excessive protein can lead to increased calcium loss through the urine, putting her at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis. (Source: Tsang, RD 2007)

For the average person, the protein need is between .5 and .8 grams per kg of body weight each day, more if you are very active and less if you sedentary. Timing is important as well, with athletes advised to eat a small protein meal or take their choice of protein supplement before they work out and immediately afterward so that the body does not resort to tearing down its own muscle mass in search of energy.

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 bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

You are What Your Mother Eats: How Diet During Pregnancy Affects Health

Alicia just found out that she is pregnant with her first child. She is glad that she stopped smoking a few years back. She knows that studies have shown that smoking during pregnancy may influence whether or not a woman’s child will be a smoker. (Source: Science Daily 2006) She is also glad that she was never much of a drinker. She is worried about her diet and the fact that she is already overweight. She knows what all of the studies say about obesity and pregnancy, including:

- A high-fat diet during pregnancy may play a role in leading to an early onset of puberty and may also play a major role in subsequent adulthood obesity.

- Junk food during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding may play a major role in the child’s weight in adulthood.

- Mothers may be passing on a defective gene that can lead to diabetes in the child later in life.

In addition to trying to get to and stay at a normal weight throughout life, it is vitally important during the childbearing years for the health of the mother and the unborn child. Overweight and obese mothers may be putting their child at an increased risk of developing health issues that include obesity for themselves, higher levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. The effects are worse for girl babies than for boys. A study that was conducted in London showed that rats that were fed a diet high in fats, sugar, and salt during their pregnancies had offspring that showed a distinct preference to junk food and were much more likely to overeat than their peers whose mothers were not fed this type of diet.

The study further showed that even after the rats were weaned from the junk food diets, their bodies’ metabolized foods differently and the effects of the foods were still seen. In the study, male offspring of the junk food-fed mothers had high levels of insulin but normal levels of glucose, while females had high levels of blood glucose but normal levels of insulin and were fatter than the males. The girl rats had higher levels of leptin than the males. Leptin is a hormone which is related to the appetite; females are more susceptible to the effects of leptin than males.

Males, on the other hand, are more sensitive to the effects of insulin. Both females and males can become resistant to leptin or insulin respectively, which in turn leads to an increased risk of overeating, weight gain and the associated weight gain. (Source Science Daily: 2008)

Pregnancy is not a time for dieting, however, even if the mother is overweight. Making sure that there are enough nutrients in the diet is important for a number of reasons. Overall, caloric intake must be increased by around 500 calories to support the growing fetus, however, in an overweight mother that amount might be reduced and in an underweight mother it might be increased. Protein intake should be increased, with a minimum of 60 grams (more with twins) required for both physical growth and cellular development of the baby, the placenta, the amniotic sac, and the increasing maternal tissues.

Protein is also vital during pregnancy because the blood volume is increased by 50%, and protein is used to make new blood cells and circulating proteins. During lactation, the protein intake should remain elevated by 20 grams over the average dietary amount. Protein is most important during the second and third trimester, when the baby grows the fastest. (Source: Medio Consult Nutrition Services)

Women of childbearing age need nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, at increased levels over other age groups. During pregnancy, the women need additional nutrients. Women need: 1000 mg of calcium, 18 mg of iron, 25 grams of fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. (Source: Tsang, 2007)

Best Sources of Protein for Pregnancy

There are two sources of protein, animal products and plant products. While animal protein is complete, meaning that it has all of the eight essential amino acids that the body needs, most animal sources also have higher calorie counts as well as higher saturated fat amounts. Plant proteins are not complete, meaning that they lack one or more of these essential amino acids, but typically are lower in calories and saturated fats. Plant proteins also tend to be higher in dietary fiber than animal proteins, making them even more beneficial.

There are good and bad sources for both plant and animal proteins. The best animal proteins, especially for pregnancy, include salmon and other cold water fishes which supply lean protein as well as Omega-three fatty acids. Pregnant women should discuss fish with their doctors, especially certain fish that may be dangerously high in mercury.

Turkey, especially roasted, skinless turkey breast, is high in protein, low in calories, and saturated fat and can be used in a number of recipes as a substitute for fattier meats. Steer clear of dark meat turkey which has a higher fat count. Using ground turkey in place of other ground meats in recipes can be a good idea, however, make sure that you are reading the label carefully. Some brands use the whole turkey, including dark meat and skin, and can be nearly as high in fat as lean beef. Your ground turkey should be breast meat (without the skin) only. If you cannot find it, then grind your own.

Other good animal protein sources include low fat dairy, especially hard cheeses, yogurts, and milk, which have other benefits including calcium and vitamin D. Yogurt also has beneficial live cultures that promote the good bacteria that should live in the intestinal tract. If these good bacteria are thrown out of balance for any reason, the woman can develop infections, including in the urinary tract, a common occurrence in pregnancy.

Good plant-based proteins include soy and soy products (miso, tempeh, and tofu), soy being the only complete plant-based protein, as well as beans, grains, and rice. Nuts and seeds are also good plant-based proteins. Each of the plant-based proteins lacks one or more amino acids and should be eaten in combinations that make up for this lack.

Protein supplements like Profect and Proasis, from Protica, are also good choices for the pregnant woman. Another benefit of a small protein shot is during early pregnancy when it can help to deal with morning sickness. Profect and Proasis (the first all-natural protein supplement) are small, easy-to-consume supplements that have 25 grams of protein per 100 calorie serving. There are a number of refreshing, fruit-based flavors, and both Profect and Proasis come in a number of different strengths as well. They are more convenient to take along and can be stashed in a bedside table so that there is no need to try to mix a protein shake while feeling queasy in the early morning. In fact, if she keeps a supplement by her bedside, a pregnant woman can consume it before even getting up for the day.

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 bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Protein For The Prevention of Heart Disease

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 liquid for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Good Reasons to Add Whey Protein and Protein Supplements to Your Diet

Getting the right amount of protein in the diet is important, however, it is not always all that simple. The average person is busy running errands, working long hours away from home and not taking the time to take proper care of themselves. There is little doubt that there are millions of people who need to get better control of their diets. There are 34 million people who qualify as obese in the United States. (Source: www.med.Stanford.edu) There are a number of conditions that are caused or worsened by being overweight, including:

- Cardiovascular disease, which kills over 16 million people per year worldwide. 30% of all deaths every year are directly related to this killer, with stroke and heart attack the two leading causes. In the US, cardiovascular disease causes 40% of all deaths. (Source: Natural News)

- Some cancers list obesity as one of the major risk factors. These include colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, kidney, gallbladder, ovarian, cervical, liver, prostate and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The risk of death from these cancers is higher with a higher BMI as well. (Source: Ammer, 2005)

- Diabetes

- Gall bladder disease

- Psychological issues related to the weight, including low self esteem.

There are diets that are suggested by doctors as well as diets that are found online, in books and from a number of magazines. Some of these diets are not well-researched or studied, not safe and most of all not effective for the long term. It is important to keep in mind that a healthy, well-rounded diet includes all of the food groups, has the right level of all of the macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat and protein) and ensures that all vitamin needs are met every day. A good diet plan has enough calories to keep the metabolism high without sending the body into a state of ketosis.

Using a liquid protein supplement shot, like Profect from Protica, is also a good choice, especially for those who do not want to or cannot use whey protein.

The Benefits of Whey Protein

Adding whey protein powder to the diet can be advantageous not only as a weight loss tool, but also for the many additional health benefits that can be realized with it. Whey powder is derived from milk, a byproduct of cheese. It contains lacto globulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin, making it perfect for pregnant women. It is also the highest food source of branched chain amino acids (BCAA), which have the advantage of being the only amino acids to metabolize directly to muscle tissue. These are used first for exercise and resistance training. Whey protein is also an excellent source of leucine (which is also needed for muscle growth.) Leucine is an amino acid that has been shown to decrease body fat. Finally, whey has glutathione, an antioxidant that is an important part of the healthy immune system.

Benefits of whey protein:

- Improves blood vessel function

- Helps insulin work better in the body and also helps to maintain a stable blood sugar level after meals

- Helps the optimal intake of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals

- Helps to preserve lean muscle mass

- Maintains the blood pressure within normal limits

- The whey-derived peptide NOP-47 increases vascular function

(Source: Mercola 2009)

Additional Benefits for Weight Loss

Whey has little or no fat and carbs. It has several benefits for weight loss, starting with its ability to stabilize the blood glucose. When the body digests food it is converted to glucose to be used for energy. If the body does not need the energy at that time, the glucose will be stored as fat and the body will gain weight. The faster that the body digests food, the more the blood sugar level will be raised, leading to a flood of insulin. Insulin is like the traffic cop, deciding where blood sugar has to go. If there is too much sugar and too much insulin, there will be more weight gain. It is a simple formula. Whey protein also helps to lower the amount of hunger that is felt by the body by releasing two hunger-suppressing hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucogon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Whey protein shows a greater impact on satiety than casein, which is found in milk.

Whey Protein

There are two forms of whey protein: concentrate and isolate. The concentrate is the most common and usually less expensive of the two and contains between 30-85% protein. The isolate is 90% protein and has less fat and less lactose. A person who is lactose intolerant may be able to handle the whey protein isolate in some cases. Whey protein is appropriate for those who follow a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, but is not for vegans.

Whey Protein for Athletes

Whey protein is an excellent resource to enhance muscle recovery after a workout and prevent muscle breakdown. Glycogen in the body is stored as energy in the muscle and helps the muscles to retain water. During exercise, the muscle burns carbohydrates for fuel first because fat and protein cannot be burned fast enough to keep up with the demands. After the workout is completed, the muscle will continue to burn energy for up to 24 hours. During this time, if there is not a new protein source, the muscles will be broken down for fuel, leading to a loss of lean muscle mass. (Source: Quinn 2007)

Using Whey Protein Powder

Before buying a huge canister of whey protein powder, it is better to try a smaller container first (even though it will be more expensive this way) to make sure that you can tolerate the taste and that there is no allergic reaction. Whey can be a problem for those who are lactose intolerant, however, there might be a lesser problem if you stick to powders that are labeled as a whey protein isolate rather than concentrate.

When you find the right kind, make sure that you are using it correctly. For instance, some whey protein powders should be mixed with nonfat or low fat milk, while some can be mixed with water.

If you have any questions about whey protein powder and its use, you should discuss them with a nutritionist. In addition, before starting any kind of supplement, you should discuss the need for it with your own physician.

Drawbacks of Protein

One of the drawbacks of protein is the allergy potential, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. Some people may also find that the taste is not tolerable to them at all. Make sure that you are still following the protein guidelines when using any supplement so that you do not exceed the safe intake level from both food and supplements. In addition, an extremely high level of whey protein can cause liver damage. (Source: Be Well @ Stanford 2009)

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 diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Eating Healthy in a Time-Starved World

Americans are literally running out of time. Achieving a work-life balance, which is still a luxury for tens of millions of working parents, has been overtaken by an even greater demand: a work-life-nutrition balance. Unfortunately, this increasing demand for nutrition has not been accompanied by a useful strategy that enables people to reclaim time from their harried lives.

The result of this dilemma has been an additional layer of stress applied on top of an already stressful life. This has further highlighted stress as America’s top health problem something that was first brought to public attention in the early 1980s, and has since more obvious in the 2 decades since then[i].

Once the link between time mismanagement and stress is made - and it is virtually axiomatic at this point that this link exists[ii] — a range of adverse health and nutrition consequences often result. The vicious cycle that ensues is harrowing and known to most people through direct experience, or via painfully seeing it manifest in the life of a family member, friend, or colleague.

Stress can — and often does — lead to unhealthy eating[iii], which in turn, leads to even more stress because the body is not receiving the essential micronutrients and vitamins that it requires. While this is happening, since poor eating is often associated with undesirable weight gain, another level of psychological stress - this one associated with body image problems - is unleashed.

Although if the cycle ended here this would be enough to solidify this as a major problem, it continues beyond this point and becomes worse.

This psychological stress due to body image problems/weight gain often leads to “emotional eating”. It is estimated that 75% of all overeating is the result of emotional eating[iv]. This, in turn, leads to yet more nutritional deficiency, since the emotional eating is typically of unhealthy comfort foods that are rich in saturated fat. This - as can be inferred — leads to yet more stress, and the cycle continues, unabated, often resulting in malnutrition, obesity, and in more cases than most average people realize, even suicide.

The almost clinical description of this negative cycle in the preceding paragraphs does not remotely capture the indescribable pain and suffering that tens of millions of Americans experience each day due to the collision of stress, lack of time, and poor eating habits. While no description could accurately capture the devastation that this negative loop causes, it is enough in the context of this article to firmly declare that it is a profoundly significant crisis.

No quick-fix solution to a problem of this magnitude is possible, and any attempt for an overnight solution should be met with the most aggressive skepticism. The key to addressing a situation of this immense complexity is to identify the root cause, and then provide remedies that mitigate or in some cases, avoid the negative loop from the beginning in the first place.

One of the root causes of this problem has been noted already: a lack of time. If more Americans had more time, or felt that they had more time, the stress associated with not having enough time would not be able to pull them under and into a negative nutrition spiral. Therefore, a solution that works on this level - the level of time - is going to be help solve this problem to some extent.

It is within this awareness that time is of the essence that a number of nutritional supplements have been created. Unfortunately, while many of these supplements take mere seconds to ingest, an array of them are not providing the body’s requirement for micronutrients and vitamins.

Furthermore, and quite irresponsibly, many so-called “energy bars” are very high in calories and carbohydrates, and as such can lead to emotional eating and trigger weight gain. It is even more unfortunate than this to observe that the race to market many nutritional supplement products has been more about making money through clever advertising and slogans, than it has been about helping people save time, eat healthy, and avoid potentially life-altering negative stress cycles. This is evidenced by the number of so-called nutritional supplements that are little more than expensive and pretentious candy bars.

However, there are some products that have risen to this ethical challenge - products that have been truly inspired by actual nutritional scientists who see a dire need in society, and have engineered a useful product to help meet that need.

The easiest way to identify such products is to find those that deliver a complete, balanced source of nutrition for time-starved individuals, including: adults, kids, athletes, sedentary individuals, and all those in between. At the same time, these elite products should provide a range of essential nutrients so that, in effect, the nutrition source can be relied upon as a complete meal when time is severely limited.

Solving America’s time-starved dilemma is bigger than any one product, or series of products, to solve. However, though the perfect solution to this complex problem remains elusive, it is clear that part of that eventual solution will depend on resolving causes, and not chasing symptoms. Nutritional products that offer scientifically developed meal and supplement solutions will be a major ally in this resolution.

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 shots for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

The Dangers of a High Protein Diet

There are a number of high protein diets that have been very popular in recent years. Many of them were built on the premise that if protein was a fat burner, then more protein would mean more fat burning. These diets suggested that you could lose weight and be healthy by eating extreme amounts of protein while severely limiting the amount of carbohydrates (even the healthy ones). Protein can be dangerous in amounts over the recommended amount and may be even more dangerous to those who have certain health conditions or diseases. Before starting any kind of diet plan, it is important to consult your doctor for suggestions and recommendations.

How Protein Works in Your Body

When you eat protein, it is broken down by the body into amino acids. These amino acids are then absorbed by the body and used to make new ones, as well as hormones that are used in a number of functions in the body. The body cannot make eight of these amino acids, which are called the essential amino acids and must be delivered through foods or supplements. These eight essential amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine. (In children, there is an additional amino acid that is needed through dietary sources because they cannot make histidine.) Animal proteins are considered to be complete because they have all eight of these amino acids. Plant proteins are not complete because they lack one or more of these amino acids. The one exception to this is soy protein, which is complete. (Source: The Vegetarian Society)

Protein is vital to every cell in the body and works not only to build muscle, but connective tissue and cell membranes as well and contributes to the bone matrix. Protein is needed in the body to maintain the fluid balance, to regulate the pH balance of the blood and to contribute to the immune function, since antibodies are proteins. (Source: Nelson 2009) Proteins are even needed to build RNA and DNA as well as neurotransmitters, the messenger service of the central nervous system.

Protein Recommendations

How much protein does the average person need? The suggestion is that around .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is the right amount, however, there are factors that affect the right amount. It is not true that body builders get huge because they eat huge amounts of protein - while they do eat slightly more protein than the weekend warrior, they do not go overboard. They develop huge muscles because they have good genes and they work hard.

A sedentary person may only need half as much protein as someone who is very active. Not getting enough protein is a problem, but the average diet has more than enough. No matter what, the safest level that is recommended by doctors and even the American Heart Association is 35% of the total daily calories.

There are a few times when you need additional protein, including when you are sick, or recovering from trauma, burns, surgery or bed sores. There are also a few conditions that might benefit from additional protein, such as those who are HIV positive. Pregnant women should also increase their protein, with the recommendation of 60 grams or more per day.

The only person that can fully know how much protein is right for you is your medical professional. Diabetes and other diseases are serious and the nutrition that you get every day should be a top concern, so it is important that you follow all recommendations for you best health.

Too Much Protein

There are a number of reasons that a high protein diet can be a problem, especially for the serious athlete. Too much protein can hurt performance by:

- Lowering the amount of stored glycogen in the muscles and the liver

- Lowering endurance

- Lowering the maximum effort that you can give

- Lowering the serum glucose levels enough to put you at risk for hypoglycemia

It also can hurt the overall health by:

- Increasing the risk of some cancers

- Increasing the rate of calcium exertion in the urine which increases the risk of osteoporosis

- Decreases the absorption and effectiveness of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals.

- May cause more tooth decay and gum disease by changing the makeup of saliva, which allows more bad bacteria to thrive

- May negatively impact the pancreas and spleen as well as the liver

And it may be a problem in these specific conditions:

- Chronic fatigue syndrome. People with CFS may find protein to be hard to digest and may have problems with increased gut permeability.

- Psoriasis. People with this skin condition may find that their symptoms may improve after following a lower protein diet or eliminating animal proteins from their diet.

- Diabetics should follow the recommendations of their doctors or dieticians

- Anyone with kidney disease should be careful with protein intake because it may increase the risk for kidney stones, especially the most common kind, the calcium oxalate stone.

A Better Protein Diet Plan

If the goal is to lose weight, experts suggest that a slight increase in protein coupled with a slight decrease in fat grams might be a better and much healthier suggestion. The protein is more satisfying, allowing you to reduce overall calories without feeling like you are starving (the reason that most diets fail in the first place.) The calorie intake should be 50% complex carbohydrates, 30% protein and 20% fat for the day. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).

Another option is a hybrid version of the old Atkins diet and the Mediterranean meal plans. Instead of suggestions of eating burgers without buns, slabs of bacon and dozens of eggs, this plan suggests fish as the main protein source at least every other day. It also suggests better, leaner animal protein sources than the old diet plans, including turkey or chicken breasts. The plan does drop carbohydrates down to around 30% of the overall calories, with most of them coming from healthy vegetables. Fat is not omitted from the plan, with olive oil being the best choice. (Source: Cochran, RD 2010)

Supplements

If you are trying to lose weight, the idea of skipping a meal or two might seem like a good idea. The only thing that you will be successful in reducing will be your metabolism if you do this often enough. If you are on the road or always on the go, it might be a better idea to opt for the preemptive snack or meal replacement that will keep you from learning the fast food drive-thru worker’s names. Having a protein rich snack can keep you satisfied for much longer and can help keep you on track with your weight loss plans. There are a number of protein supplement options, which include:

- Protein powders (whey, soy, egg and rice)

- Shakes

- Liquid protein shots

- Snacks (puddings and bars)

Make sure that the protein supplement that you choose has high quality ingredients and protein without added sugars or fat. Profect, a liquid protein shot from Protica, is less than three fluid ounces but delivers a full 25 grams of protein per serving. At only 100 calories, it is a perfect snack for between meals or for after a workout and comes in a number of flavors.

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 bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Understanding Amino Acids and their Importance in Diet

Nutritional scientists know the worth of protein in a healthy diet, and it’s also widely recognized by the population at large. In fact, protein directly or indirectly plays important roles in the body’s different systems and functions. To name a few: protein aids in the structural development of cells, ensures tissue integrity, helps in digestion, transports hormones, and boosts the immune system [i].

In recent years however, individuals were somewhat forced to increase their consumption of high protein foods on account of the popularity of such carbohydrate-free and low-carbohydrate diets, like the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet and Isometric Diet. Because of these popular diet programs, millions of people are actually zealously scanning the food labels, and asking relevant questions every time they eat out. Added to this growing number of protein-aware individuals are, after all, the millions of bodybuilders, powerlifters, and athletes who have demonstrated for centuries the irreplaceable value of protein in building and sustaining muscle.

As impressive and inspiring as it is to see that more individuals than ever before are “protein-conscious”, there is still more useful protein info to learn. It’s high time that we augment this understanding of protein with even more information, this time about amino acids.

Understandably, many people don’t understand that amino acids are not really acids per se. They are the molecular units that make up protein. They are, quite simply, the very building blocks of protein.

Amino acids are organic compounds which are also made up of two groups of molecules, amino (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH). There are 19 amino acids in all which comprise the human diet: 11 of these are non-essential, while the remaining 8 are essential. This realization - that there are two types of amino acids - is very important and ought to be considered and operated on by eaters everywhere.

Judging by the words alone, it will be quite difficult to associate protein with “amino acids”, and the terms “essential” and ‘non-essential” add much more fuel to this confusion. “Essential” is a word that’s typically thrown around in the nutritional world, either to mean something which is important, critical, or irreplaceable. For instance, a nutritionist might tell her patient that consuming 50 grams of protein daily is essential; the intended meaning here is “very important”.

This specific meaning applies to the terms “essential” and “non essential” amino acids.

Non-essential amino acids are those that the body can produce on its own. This does not mean, in fact, that the body can create these non-essential amino acids out of nothing. Instead, it implies that the body can manufacture these 11 non-essential amino acids out of raw materials in its own inner laboratory. It is because of this that these 11 amino acids are known as non-essential; it has nothing to do with the term “important” or “unimportant”. In alphabetical order, the 11 non-essential amino acids are:[ii]

- Alanine

- Arginine

- Asparagine

- Aspartic Acid

- Cysteine

- Glutamic Acid

- Glutamine

- Glycine

- Histidine

- Proline

- Tyrosine

The remaining 8 amino acids are referred to as essential; and this refers to the fact that they cannot be synthesized. The body can only receive them exogenously (eg. through food). These essential amino acids include, in alphabetical order: [iii]

- Isoleucine

- Leucine

- Lysine

- Methionine

- Phenylalanine

- Serine

- Threonine

- Tryptophan

- Valine

Knowing the value of amino acids is crucial, since the failure to eat foods that carry these important amino acids can lead to deficiency and poor health effects. These results can include - however aren’t restricted to — fatigue, allergies, loss of memory, and even heart disease [iv]. When one considers the pain and suffering brought on by any of those four ill health results, and the myriad of subsequent ailments that they can provoke, it becomes readily apparent that a knowledge of amino acids, and especially “essential” amino acids, must be a part of an intelligent eater’s knowledge base.

While there has been some movement on the part of nutritional supplement companies to supply eaters with convenient and palatable sources of protein, many have put their marketing needs first and ignored amino acids altogether. As a consequence of this omission, some eaters are actually suffering from an “overdose” of incomplete protein. It’s because their diet may not be providing them with the complete, essential protein needed. The only complete proteins on the planet are derived from dairy, meat, fish, poultry, and soy, and these foods are not present in our most common foods. There are, however, protein supplements that also offer proteins with the full spectrum of amino acids.

The answer is actually simple and easily attainable. Quite simply, you simply have to choose foods and nutritional supplements which supply “complete” protein sources. Which means that it should comprise all of the 19 amino acids together with the eight “essential’ amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.

Even though there are only some of them presently operating, however there are actually some corporations that manufacture nutritional supplements which are guaranteed to have all amino acids present. It’s worth noting that they’re not really required to do that because the consumers or the Food and Drug Administration aren’t demanding that they put this info on their food labels; or at least not yet. This is all the more motive to laud those corporations that are putting individuals and nutrition first, and marketing a distant second.

REFERENCES

[i] Source: “Amino Acids. Diet-and-health-net. http://www.diet-and-health.net/Nutrients/AminoAcids.html

[ii] Source: “Amino Acids”. About.com. http://exercise.about.com/library/Glossary/bldef-amino_acids.htm

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Source: “What are Amino Acids?”. Vanderbilt University. http://vanderbiltowc.wellsource.com/dh/content.asp?ID=759

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 dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

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