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.
