Current analysis indicates that a high protein diet could have a positive effect on lowering blood cholesterol levels. Many individuals with high cholesterol levels take medications to control their cholesterol levels. In this text we will examine the role of cholesterol and how its levels are linked to proteins in the diet.Cholesterol is important to maintain the integrity of brain cells, keep the membranes intact and the cells working. Cholesterol molecules are actually anchored into protein receptors crucial for inter-cellular communication. Major chemical messengers are housed inside the brain also. These receptors allow cell-to-cell communication, and cholesterol helps to keep these attachment points functioning properly as well as the cells communicating normally.
Serotonin, a key messenger, has an anti-depressant effect, and correct functioning of serotonin receptors is linked to better mental health. Poor cholesterol intake will cause brain-cell membranes to become structured poorly and function incorrectly as there are less receptors available to work together with nerve messengers. Often times resulting in the onset of depression.
In infants, cholesterol aids in and is critical for brain growth, and in adults it's vital for neuron function. Physicians may state the risks associated with a higher blood cholesterol level (stroke and heart disease) far outweigh any modest advantage it provides for cognitive function. It has not yet been determined whether lowering cholesterol with medication can influence mental functioning.
In humans, normal metabolic oxidation reactions result in harmful by-products. Damage to the neurons of the brain occurs when these harmful by-products are allowed to accumulate. Our bodies have antioxidants that protect it from these cellular damages.
Regular consumption of cultured dairy products has been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against bone loss.
Role of casein and whey:
Cholesterol is brought down by dietary supplements containing protines like whey and casein, which are both natural based milk proteins.
Casein is the other protein derived from milk and is a complete protein. It is:
- Very rich in glutamine that is the most rich amino acid present in skeletal muscles and may be significant in sustaining the immune system.
- A larger protein (than whey) that is absorbed more slowly by the body. When absorption over an extended time is preferred this is regularly used.
- Not as absorbable (as whey) by your body because it's a lower biological value (BV) therefore more has got to be consumed.
Whey: Whey proteins have been here for hundreds of years and are nothing contemporary. It has only been during the last fifteen totwenty years however, that the true potential of whey proteins has become recognized. This awareness has led to a rise in research activity to identify all the benefits whey proteins give to the human being's body.
Whey protein contains an ample supply of the amino acid cysteine. Because free radicals induce cell death and play a job in aging, cysteine ingestion is great in defending against them. Thus, whey protein, when in use on a long-term basis, may have a protective result on neurons in the body.
Whey protein concentrate has been found to be a potent inhibitor of oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Current research suggests that the conversion of LDL cholesterol to oxidized LDL often is the trigger that results in atherogenesis -- the formation of plaque and lesions related to atherosclerosis. The arteries that supply the heart are the common places this takes place. Therefore, any substance that stops the oxidation of LDL is considered anti-atherogenic.
Whey protein is made of several minor and major fractions, like beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, albumin, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin. It was discovered that the minor constituent responsible for whey’s ability to stop the oxidation of LDL appears to be the lactoferrin fraction of the protein. It has been shown to lessen the uptake of LDL and is an iron-binding protein.
The following is an inventory of the properties of whey protein:
- It has the highest branched chain amino acid (BCAAs) content found in nature. BCAAs are necessary for the upkeep of muscle tissue and they have an inclination for being depleted following exercise.
- Can be digested more completely and faster than casein and soy proteins.
- It will help the immune system by efficiently enhancing the production of glutathione, an amino acid.
- It's very miscible, which means that it dissolves easily in water and other liquids making it more user friendly in some cases.
Early indications in ongoing studies into the link between protein and lower cholesterol are promising. It seems that, because of the broad benefits afforded by whey and casein, they're a smart addition to nearly all dietary regimens.
References
1. Dugué M, Neugroschl J, Sewell M, Marin D. Review of dementia .The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine 2003; 70: 45-53.
2. Miller AL. The methionine-homocysteine cycle and its effects on cognitive diseases. Altern Med Rev. 2003; 8:7-19.
3. Seppo, L., Jauhiainen, T., Poussa, T. & Korpela, R. () A fermented milk high in bioactive peptides has a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive subjects. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2003; 77: 326–330.
4. Meinertz H, Faergeman O, Nilausen K, Chapman MJ, Goldstein S, Laplaud P.M. Effects of soy protein and casein in low cholesterol diets on plasma lipoproteins in normolipidemic subjects. Atherosclerosis. 1988 Jul; 72(1):63-70.
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 drinks for renal care patients.
You can learn more about Protica at www.protica.com - Copyright - Protica Research
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")