Images of “protein powder” containers with muscular bodybuilders on their labels help inform consumers that protein is a crucial macronutrient in strength training success. Nonetheless what's generally lost during this protein-bodybuilding link is that protein is an important part for everyone, irrespective of physical activity. Even those who live sedentary lives should guarantee that their protein intake is complete and balanced.
The importance of protein in diet is irrefutable. Protein creates digestive enzymes, transports other vitamins and nutrients, builds and repairs body tissue, and helps keep harmful bacteria at bay[i]. These are bodily system functions that every one needs – not just bodybuilders and different athletes.
Eating the appropriate composition of protein in meals is, however, proving to be an extraordinarily tough challenge for many Americans. To start with, several protein sources are not considered “complete” because they don't offer all of the required amino acids necessary so as to make newer proteins. These incomplete proteins are usually derived from fruit, grain, vegetable, and nut sources[ii]. However, the alternative to these incomplete protein sources – like meats and dairy – present their own unique dietary challenges.
The first challenge with regard to these meat-based sources of complete protein is that they're not an option for vegetarians. While the amount of US vegetarians is difficult to pinpoint, educated estimates indicate that there are about 6 million adult vegetarians within the US, and the number is growing annually[iii]. Thus, 6 million adult Americans can't access complete protein through meat sources.
The second difficulty is that several meat- and dairy-based meals in the US are extremely high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, and other unhealthy elements. As such, whereas people who frequent fast food restaurants for his or her source of complete protein may not suffer from protein deficiency, a disconcerting number of those folks will suffer from poor health. This includes: obesity, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and a variety of adverse consequences that medical consultants call the “social irresponsibility” of the fast food business[iv].
The clear challenge for nutritional experts is to identify a protein source that's both healthy and complete. The implications of not finding a appropriate protein supply range from underperforming digestive systems and chemical imbalances to the ill effects of a condition referred to as “Kwashiorkor”. More frequent in developing countries but with reported incidinces in the US, Kwashiorkor happens in extreme protein-deficiency situations when when the body cannibalizes itself in an exceedingly desperate attempt to locate a supply of protein.
A lot of attempts have been made to locate the best complete protein supply: one that is healthy, accessible to all consumers, and easy to prepare and serve. Indeed, this last criterion of convenience is of particular importance, because many Americans in the 21st century have less time to eat than ever before.
A number of these tries to find the best complete protein supply hearken back some generations. The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has been adopted as a whole protein supply by some, but rejected by several more. While peanut butter will give a good supply of protein, the sodium content of most market peanut butter brands, and therefore the high carbohydrate and fat levels of the typical “PB&J on white” keep it from being an ideal selection[v].
Other proposed solutions are more recent inventions. These include the range of nutritional powders and “energy” bars available in most health food stores, and in a growing number of grocery stores. Regarding protein powders, whereas a number of them do provide a decent supply of protein, it's simply not a convenient supply for many people. With respect to energy bars, several of them have been criticized for their high calorie and carbohydrate levels.
Another resolution – and one that's garnering some serious acclaim from among the health community – is fluid nutritional supplements that are easy to transport, and provide a whole protein supply appropriate for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike[1]. At the same time, these products are specifically designed to be low-calorie (and thus diet-friendly), and offer further nutrients and vitamins that the body needs in addition complete protein.
These revolutionary, complete protein products are a positive sign during a nutritional sector that has struggled with misinformation. Regrettably, many so-called energy bars and protein powders are laden with calories and carbohydrates. Some of them – in particular many energy bars – hardly provide any protein, which is a curious omission that almost all consumers don't notice as they ingest these products.
Fortunately, as noted above, there are scientifically designed products available that deliver the entire protein and nutrition that consumers expect once they purchase something with the words “nutritional supplement” on the container.
[1] These products use “Actinase®” protein, which is derived from isolated animal sources that do not contain the lactose and fat normally associated with animal-based proteins.
References
[i] Source: “The Importance of Protein”. OhioHealth. http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/ details/protein.htm
[ii] Source: “Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage”. Harvard School of Public Health. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein.html
[iii] Source: “How Many Vegetarians are There? A 2003 National Harris Interactive Survey Question Sponsored by The Vegetarian Resource Group”. Vegetarian Journal. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDE/is_3_22/ai_106422316
[iv] Source: “Supersized Nation: Bigger Burgers Still Rule”. WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/98/104952.htm?action=related_link
[v] Source: “How Nutritious is a PB&J?”. About. http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutritionforchildren/a/pbj.htm
Author Resource:
About Protica Research
Founded in 2001, Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect (www.profect.com), IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility. One area of specialty is the manufacturing of Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for dialysis patients.
You can learn more about Protica at www.protica.com - Copyright - Protica Research
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