| Just like
carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients that create energy, there
is good protein and bad of protein. Over the last decade, good
carbohydrates and good fats have been identified from the bad
ones. But, the same is true of proteins. As
we have seen in the 20th and 21st centuries, the Atkins diet,
and other fads polarized the popularity of low carbohydrate
meal plans. Consequently, the high protein diets took the lead.
The craze of protein diets was presented in spending habits
of Americans, $1.2 billion in 2004 (estimation provided by the
Nutrition Business Journal, San Diego, California).
According to the Department of Commerce there
has been a consumption increase of beef 25 percent and fish
4.5 percent. Alternatively, the reality is that all beef is
not equal. Certain beef products are fatty, while others are
lean. From a cheeseburger to sirloin steak, the difference can
be found in their fat which separates the good protein from
the bad. With merely 70 percent of the population being overweight,
the controversy surrounding high-fat or high protein diets is
tipping America’s scale. People are mystified about proper dieting
and nutrition.
To shed a little clarity on protein, here are
a few handy facts to consider:
? Protein is vital for a well-balanced diet
? It develops and builds collagen and muscle
? Protein is important because it act as the
building block of hormones, enzymes and the immune systems needed
to make the body function
? The recommended daily allowance of protein
in adults is a minimum of one gram of protein for every kilogram
of body weight.
? The way to evaluate a good protein versus
a bad one is from the nutritional components of the food. For
example, the value of its omega-3 fatty acid and saturated fat
content are determining factors of good or bad proteins. |
