TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Protein intake in Health Nutrition is tricky. Protein function while primary in nutrition, it is often overrated.

The following arguments are important when we talk of protein: Protein Sources, Protein Supplements, Protein Diet, Protein and age, Protein and sugar.

Protein sources are either animal or vegetable. Meat, fish, dairy and eggs are mainly made of proteins. Vegetables instead contain less percentage of proteins. However it is next to impossible not to eat enough protein in a complete vegetarian or vegan (No animal product derivates such as dairy) diet, as the daily optimal intake of protein is not high. Beside vegetable protein has less or even no fat when compared to animal protein source.

Lack of protein or protein deficiency is not common. It only occurs in severe malnutrition cases mostly confined to developing countries.

Nonetheless health food stores fill their shelves with Amino Acid supplements that are derived from animal and vegetable protein sources. Those product are mainly used by body builders, some sport people and few others. The general public has no benefit by the use of such products. This use also leads to an excess of protein and this can be dangerous or simply heavy to digest. The liver too has to work harder to eliminate the excess.

Protein diets, Atkins for instance, are very popular. Generally speaking they work by eliminate carbohydrates altogether and eat low fat protein meals in small quantity but frequently. This achieves weight loss quickly but this regime is not meant to be undertaken for too long. The body needs carbohydrates for energy production as well to maintain a healthy nervous system.

Protein is needed in child development as it facilitates growth.  The elderly too need extra protein combined with calcium/magnesium to maintain healthy bones. The amount of protein an adult needs is not very high and is the easiest nutritional component to be fully provided even with erratic eating habits.

Hypoglycemia and blood sugar regulation is often addressed in nutrition with the intake of five daily small meals. It is suggested to Snack on seeds and nuts and consumes main meals rich in legumes, pulses. Proteins take longer to digest than carbohydrates, this enable the body to maintain sugar level constant or at least avoid picks. On the other hand Carbohydrates are broken up into sugar very quickly causing the excess of sugar to end up in the blood, the “sugar rush” feeling.

Those are just few tips and introductory safe information on the myth that surround optimal protein intake. Much more can be said on the subject and I have used some degree of generalization when I discussed this topic. For the general public the main point is that less protein in a diet is a healthy habit as well as a diet rich in fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables. The myth that vegetarian diet is poor in protein has been discussed in many publications. However the trend that vegetarian diets are better for health or can prevent and treat disease such as cancer have not yet enough evidence to be critically assessed.

I personally believe this matter cannot be generalized and individual will respond differently to omnivorous versus vegetarian diets. The best way to assess what is the best diet for you always involve listen to your body and perhaps a consultation with your local nutritionist to add a professional and researched opinion