Best Health News - nutritional research

Why You Need Vitamin A

root — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:08:45 +0200

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Recent nutritional research has saved that most people do not consume enough Vitamin A on a daily basis. This is not good, because Vitamin A is essential to good health. Major health problems can result from long-term Vitamin A deficiencies. Vitamin A is essential from the start of life. Pregnant women essential be sure to ingest sufficient Vitamin A, which will be more than they needed before pregnancy, because Vitamin A plays a key role in the proper physical development of a fetus. It helps to sustain proper cell differentiation, which is the specialization of cells upon division to do certain tasks, meaning that cells for the heart take on the heart’s characteristics, those for the colored take on the liver’s, those for the brain take on the brain’s characteristics and functions, and so on. Vitamin A also helps with bone growth and development, as well as in the general growth and development of the body. Vitamin A has an important part in the quality and functioning of the body’s immune system. cardinal aspect of this functioning has to do with the skin and body’s mucus membranes. The skin and mucus membranes serve a very important purpose for the body. They operate as barriers against bacteria and viruses, protecting against infection and disease. Vitamin A also helps to keep the skin and mucus membranes healthy, functioning, and competent to serve their primary purpose. As we all know, carrots are good for the eyes. That is because they are high with Vitamin A, which is essential to vision. Believe it or not, a serious deficiency in Vitamin A can result in blindness. Many children realistic in poverty in third international countries throughout the world have become blind simply because of the lack of Vitamin A in their diets. Vitamin A also helps to keep the shallow linings of the intestinal, urinary and respiratory tracts healthy. This benefit offers protection from bacteria, as well has promotes decent functioning. One of the most usual units of measure for Vitamin A found on food and supplement packaging labels is the International Unit, or IU. mature and teenage males should be consuming around 3,000 IU of Vitamin A per day. mature women and teenage females should take in about 2,310 IU per day, 2,565 IU per day if pregnant and 4,300 IU per day when breastfeeding. For children ages 8 to 13, 2,000 IU is the recommended daily intake, with 1,320 IU being enough for those aged 4 through 7. From birth through age 3, 1,000 IU is recommended. Taking dietary supplements to round out a healthy diet can ensure that the body receives the nutrients it needs for peak performance. However, it is always important to follow label and doctor recommendations for the proper amount to be taken for your dietary needs. Proper nutrition is essential to achieving and maintaining health. It is more better to avoid sickness than to recover from it. attractive steps to ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin A each day is an virtual part of reaching your health goals.

How to Curb Those Carbohydrate Cravings!

root — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:38:45 +0200

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Kim Beardsmore As a weight loss mentor it never ceases to amaze me how people inadvertently set themselves up for a huge snack attack mid afternoon. For many, the ready up is so complete that it is almost impossible to control! The result is that people think they are weak-willed and lacking in discipline. Often the answer has little to do with character or determination. More often the reason for the mid afternoon carbohydrate cravings is due to gaps in understanding how our body works and responds to diferent types of food. Read on to see what you can do to control those mid afternoon cravings. Trigger foods If you want to control those cravings there are a few principles you must be aware of. The early is concerning trigger foods. Nutritional research has documented, carbohydrates trigger the brain to crave much carbohydrates, leading to a cycle of carbohydrate eating that becomes hard to control. Trigger foods keep you fat. The goal is to have control over these foods rather than allowing them to have control over you. What do trigger foods look like? Well, they vary from person to person, but typically look like-minded soft drinks, potato chips, corn chips, peanuts, french fries, cheese, pizza, chocolate chip cookies, pretzel, apple pie, candy bar and so on. These are the foods that for many, "once we pop, we can't stop!". Isn't it amazing that all these types of foods are available from take-away places? They are so readily available and have crept into our daily regular without us even planning it to happen. We get hungry, we are busy, we are distracted, and one serve leads to another; and we don't realise just how more we are eating as the triggering effect takes place in our brains. By eating a small portion of some of the above you can easily consume anywhere from 350 to 1000 calories. Two serves could be 700 to 2000 calories! Most women on a weight loss program are aiming for between 1200-1400 calories a day, so you can see that cardinal snack can seriously sabotage your plans. Does this healthy like you? I can hear the deep sighs of regret and frustration! Don't worry, there are answers for you. You can be empowered to take control when you know how to avoid the nutritional set up that will drive you towards trigger foods. Here are a few uncomplicated principles that will deal a wounding blow to the past afternoon "snack monster". Five steps to avoid carbohydrate cravings: 1. Incorporate protein in to your breakfast AND lunch. Protein is key to controlling carbohydrate cravings. The RDA of protein for women is 60 grams a day. For women absent to lose weight, health professionals recommend approximately 100 grams of protein daily. Why? One of the principle advantages of protein is that it creates a feeling of fullness and satisfaction in the body that makes overeating much little likely. Source your protein from ultra lean sources so you don't pick up unloved calories and saturated fats. Even better, than providing a sense of sustained fullness, protein can block the triggering effect that carbohydrates can have on the brain. If you eat protein with a carbohydrate it will reduce the cravings caused by eating the carbohydrate. 2. Never skip meals. Research has shown that people who skip meals are more unerect to obesity than those who regularly eat 3 meals a day. In fact, people who space their daily food requirements by making appropriate use of healthy snacks do flat better. Why is this? When you skip meals you are more likely to get hungry and fill up on easily obtained fast foods which are often trigger foods. 3. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. For some people sugar full soft drinks are a trigger food. Make sure you don't get thirsty in the first place. Water creates a sense of fullness and has a host of else health benefits. 4. Plan the timing of your meals so that you don't get hungry. Despite having three healthy meals a day, sometimes your work schedule can mean the spacing of those meals still does not guard against the carbohydrate cravings. If you have a long-life gap between meals, make predictable you carry healthy snacks to cover the distance, otherwise hunger will set in 5. Plan your snacks. Plan out your weekly snack schedule with some delicious, healthy snacks. Purchase these with your weekly shopping so that you are fully prepared. If you need to, get up a few minutes earlier in the morning so you have time to prepare and take your snacks to work. Remember, wholesome snacks don't live in a vending machine! You are less likely to get hungry when you have a ready supply of healthy snacks. 6. Carry emergency supplies of nutritional protein bars in your handbag or brief case. When you feel a carbohydrate craving, eat the protein bar instead and wait 30 minutes before temporary on the craving. much often than not the craving will pass and you will be in control again. This truly works! Incorporate these principles into your daily regular and you could be healthy underway to change your life and be able to take control over the mid afternoon 'snack attacks'. About The Author Kim Beardsmore, B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is a wellness consultant. To see what you can do to take control of your weight or to maximize your best personal shape, visit her website at: http://leanmachine.org/?refid=140604-23516 kim@kigamarketing.com

Technorati Tags: Health # amaze # brain # carbohydrate cravings # carbohydrates # diferent types # gaps # inadvertently # mid afternoon # nutritional research # people # result # snack attack # trigger foods # types of food # weight loss mentor # Array #

How to Curb Carbohydrate Cravings!

root — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:38:45 +0200

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Kim Beardsmore As a weight loss mentor it never ceases to amaze me how people inadvertently set themselves up for a huge snack attack mid afternoon. For many, the ready up is so complete that it is almost impossible to control! The result is that people think they are weak-willed and lacking in discipline. Often the answer has little to do with character or determination. More often the reason for the mid afternoon carbohydrate cravings is due to gaps in understanding how our body works and responds to diferent types of food. Read on to see what you can do to control those mid afternoon cravings. Trigger foods If you want to control those cravings there are a few principles you must be aware of. The first is concerning trigger foods. Nutritional research has documented, carbohydrates trigger the brain to crave more carbohydrates, leading to a cycle of carbohydrate eating that becomes hard to control. Trigger foods keep you fat. The goal is to have control over these foods rather than allowing them to have control over you. What do trigger foods look like? Well, they vary from person to person, but typically look like-minded soft drinks, potato chips, corn chips, peanuts, french fries, cheese, pizza, chocolate chip cookies, pretzel, apple pie, candy bar and so on. These are the foods that for many, "once we pop, we can't stop!". Isn't it amazing that all these types of foods are available from take-away places? They are so readily ready and have crept into our daily routine without us flat planning it to happen. We get hungry, we are busy, we are distracted, and cardinal serve leads to another; and we don't realise just how much we are eating as the triggering effect takes place in our brains. By eating a small portion of some of the above you can easily consume anywhere from 350 to 1000 calories. Two serves could be 700 to 2000 calories! Most women on a weight loss program are aiming for between 1200-1400 calories a day, so you can see that one snack can seriously sabotage your plans. Does this sound like you? I can hear the deep sighs of regret and frustration! Don't worry, there are answers for you. You can be empowered to take control when you know how to avoid the nutritional set up that will drive you towards trigger foods. Here are a few uncomplicated principles that will deal a wounding blow to the past afternoon "snack monster". Five steps to avoid carbohydrate cravings: 1. Incorporate protein in to your breakfast AND lunch. Protein is key to controlling carbohydrate cravings. The RDA of protein for women is 60 grams a day. For women wanting to lose weight, health professionals recommend approximately 100 grams of protein daily. Why? One of the principle advantages of protein is that it creates a feeling of fullness and satisfaction in the body that makes overeating much less likely. Source your protein from ultra lean sources so you don't pick up unwanted calories and saturated fats. Even better, than providing a sense of sustained fullness, protein can block the triggering effect that carbohydrates can have on the brain. If you eat protein with a carbohydrate it will reduce the cravings caused by eating the carbohydrate. 2. Never skip meals. Research has shown that people who skip meals are more prone to obesity than those who regularly eat 3 meals a day. In fact, people who space their daily food requirements by making appropriate use of wholesome snacks do even better. Why is this? When you skip meals you are more possible to get hungry and fill up on easily obtained hurrying foods which are often trigger foods. 3. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. For some people sugar laden soft drinks are a trigger food. Make sure you don't get thirsty in the first place. Water creates a sense of fullness and has a host of other health benefits. 4. Plan the timing of your meals so that you don't get hungry. Despite having three healthy meals a day, sometimes your work schedule can mean the spacing of those meals still does not guard against the carbohydrate cravings. If you have a long gap between meals, make sure you carry healthy snacks to cover the distance, otherwise hunger will set in 5. Plan your snacks. Plan out your weekly snack schedule with some delicious, wholesome snacks. Purchase these with your weekly shopping so that you are fully prepared. If you need to, get up a few minutes earlier in the morning so you have time to prepare and take your snacks to work. Remember, wholesome snacks don't live in a vending machine! You are little likely to get hungry when you have a ready supply of healthy snacks. 6. Carry emergency supplies of nutritional protein bars in your handbag or short case. When you feel a carbohydrate craving, eat the protein bar instead and wait 30 minutes before acting on the craving. More often than not the craving will pass and you will be in control again. This truly works! Incorporate these principles into your daily routine and you could be well underway to change your life and be competent to take control over the mid afternoon 'snack attacks'. © Copyright Kim Beardsmore About The Author Kim is boffo a weight loss coach who will cut through the diet-hype and help you reach your goal weight and never 'diet' again. No public 'weigh-ins', meetings that cost you money or fads...simply results you'll love. You can receive a free, no obligation consultation. Visit today http://tinyurl.com/52oz9. Are you interested in a fantastic domestic business? Visit: http://tinyurl.com/59pla.

Nutrition Supplements for Aging Americans

root — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:08:45 +0200

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Protica Nutritional Research While America has given birth to the song “Young at Heart”, and the phrase “you’re as childlike as you feel!” can be heard from coast to coast by millions of people, demographic trend point firmly toward the other direction: aging. Currently, the 65+ population comprises slightly more than 12% (35 million) of the total US population. By 2030, this percentage is predicted to almost double to just below 20% (71 million)[i]. In other words, within a generation, an unprecedented demographic reality will exist in the US: 1 in 5 Americans will be older than 65. This is indeed news worthy celebrating, because it means that more Americans are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. Yet this trend also presents some very real health-related problems that American society must solve. Various sectors are frenetically difficult to position themselves to deal with this aging demographic inevitability. The dental care field is loudly lobbying to increase awareness and resource-support for age-related ailments such as defective denture and reduced saliva-flow conditions[ii]. At the same time, the allied health care field is similarly difficult – and admittedly struggling -- to develop the immense resources, such as many more doctors and nurses, who will somehow absorb the imminent and irresistible old age-related demand for preoperative procedures and other health care commodities[iii]. Yet while the dental and health sectors strive to adjust to this demographic trend, the nutritional sector has not kept pace. A fast look at any health food store shelf will see energy bars and powders that are (according to their marketing images) suitable only for high-performance (e.g. young) consumers. Similarly, the nutrition sector has not done a good job at destroying the myth that macronutrients such as protein are essential parts of all healthy diets – heedless of age. The nutrition sector’s general neglect of the senior community is something that is just barely beginning to show as the population ages, and as the “baby boomer” generation of 76 million vehement moves towards retirement[iv]. However, it is inevitable that this service gap will become larger as the future unfolds. Essentially, tens of millions of seniors are going to need to find new and innovative nutrition solutions possibly for the first time in their lives. The prospects that face a 65-year-old inquiring for a nutrition solution are in some ways much the same as those facing a 25-year-old: there are an array of promised solutions on the market, including energy bars, drinks, and supplements. However, this is where the similarities between the average 65-year-old and 25-year-old end because while the last mentioned may be able to get away with experimenting, the past cannot. In other words, a 25-year-old consumer may add energy bars to their eating regimen and realize in a hardly a months that they’re really eating glorified, calorie-rich candy bars. A 65-year-old consumer does not have that same luxury to try, and possibly err, when it comes to making nutritional choices. His or her choices essential be wise and relevant from the start, particularly since old people tend to suffer from diminished appetite, and often have poorer access to balanced nutrition than their younger counterparts. This is a serious problem that the nutritional sector essential accept and take ownership of. This means that more than simple awareness is needed true tangible solutions are required. The basic fact is that old citizens – like all else age groups – require poised nutrition, and for many of them, the best and most convenient way to access it is through nutritional supplements. This much-delayed awareness does seem, however, to be abating. There are currently innovative companies that are creating nutritional supplements fit for all ages, regardless of physical activity. This suitability is the result of a carefully balanced protein blend that captures all essential amino acids. Since many seniors continue to lose nitrogen and thus protein as they age, it is incredibly important that seniors access ways to compensate for this in small stages loss. These low-calorie, carbohydrate-free, fat-free nutritional supplements also help seniors avoid adding unwanted body fat that would weaken muscle mass and destabilize body strength and energy levels. Furthermore, the ideal product would be ready in liquid form, allowing seniors with dentures or other tooth concerns to easily ingest a serving without anxiety. The fact that America’s population is aging is just that: a fact. It is not an opinion, an educated guess, or a possible expectation. It will happen, and it is virtual that America’s seniors be provided with the solutions that they need in order to continue living full, happy lives. The dental and health care fields are already hard at work positioning themselves, as best that they can right now, to absorb this unprecedented demographic change. Thanks to a very smaller – but hopefully growing number – of senior-friendly supplements, there is finally a reason to add the nutrition field to this list as well. References [i] Source: “Public Health an Aging: Trends in old – United States and Worldwide”. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5206a2.htm [ii] Source: “Caring for America’s Aging Smiles”. Healthfinder. http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=521247 [iii] Source: “Aging Population Creating Higher Demand for Surgery”. ANNews. http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2003/08/25/prsc0825.htm [iv] Source: “Baby Boomers Envision Their Retirement: an AARP Segmentation Analysis”. AARP. http://research.aarp.org/econ/boomer_seg_prn.html About The Author Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - www.protica.com Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is ready at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.

Technorati Tags: Health # aging # demographic reality # demographic trend # direction # health related # news worthy # nutritional research # phrase # real health # sectors # young at heart # #

Not All Protein is Created Equally

root — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:38:45 +0200

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Protica Nutritional Research America’s focus on nutritious eating began to receive national attention in the 1940s when President Roosevelt introduced the RDA, or Recommended regular Allowance (RDA) model. This model, which took on the shape of a pyramid in the 1980s (and hence now goes by the term “food pyramid”), has gone through a number of iterations since its inception more than 60 years ago[i]. This change and evolution of the RDA model is, in many respects, a constructive step. It demonstrates that, antimonopoly as America’s information on diet and nutrition is advancing, so too are the models that guide its eating habits. In fact, the USDA itself has decided to update the term and now refers to “RDI’s” (“Reference Daily Intake”) instead of RDA’s. However, undermining some of this positive change is the fact that many Americans are increasingly confused over what, how, and when to eat. A survey conducted by the USDA in 1996 verified this fact when 40% of respondents united strongly with the statement that “there are so many recommendations about healthy ways to eat, it’s hard to know what to believe”[ii]. One of the most serious expressions of this growing dietary confusion has to do with a concept titled the Daily Value, or “DV”. Introduced by the USDA in the 1990s, the DV is a dietary numerical reference that is supposed to allow people to make healthy eating choices[iii]. The philosophical idea behind the DV, which is expressed as a percentage, is that it provides a very important piece of information. The DV informs consumers how much of a nutrient they are getting from a particular food item. For example, if the DV label on a can of beans declares that it represents “10% of the DV for fat”, then consumers can keep track of that number to know if, throughout the day, how much fat they are eating1. However, one does not have to be a mathematician or a dietician to see that the above idea begs a significant question: is this10% of the DV for blubbery “good” or is it “bad”? In other words, should a consumer choose this source of fat because it represents a good source of fat, or avoid it for the other reason? It is this question that has caused so more confusion among health-conscious consumers. It has caused particular anxiety among those who are wisely ensuring that they eat the advisable daily allowance for protein. The importance of protein in diet cannot be understated. It is not simply an essential macronutrient for athletes, such as bodybuilders and runners. Protein is nitpicking for life itself, regardless of mobility or athleticism. Among else essential functions, protein maintains and repairs muscle tissue, aids digestion, regulates chemicals, manages hormones, and produces enzymes[iv]. In extreme cases, a dangerous lack of protein actually leads to a condition called Kwashiorkor, where the body cannibalizes itself2. Trying to determine the right amount of protein – as expressed in terms of DV% -- has been a difficult challenge for most eaters. Unfortunately, as a result of this confusion, some consumers have not been eating superior quality protein. This is because the DV number is simply not enough information upon which they can make healthy protein eating decisions. The absent number in the DV equation is the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) level. The RDI for protein is, generally, 50 grams per day. Consumers can take the number of total grams of protein in a product, and divide it by this RDI for protein to determine what the “optimum” DV number should be. For example, if a product offers 25 grams of protein, and the RDI is 50 grams per day, then the product’s “optimum” DV will be 50%. Therefore, the figure “50%” should appear on the product’s labeling. If the number is lower than 50%, the consumers instantly know that it is not an best source of protein. Finding high quality sources for virtual micronutrients like protein (among others) is a challenge that should not be difficult, but it is, because some food makers do not want to educate consumers on how to detect high quality from low quality. This is particularly unfortunate in the health and nutrition food industry, where one would expect manufacturers strive for high superior nutrition. Regrettably, this is not always the case. However, that is not reason to despair. Rather, it just as more reason to support companies that are making the effort to ensure that their products reflect only high quality DV levels, and a concurrent effort to educate the public on how to determine optimum DV. [1] The FDA is clear that the DV concept is not intended to direct people on how much they should eat. In this example, the eater should not conclude that eating 10 cans of beans will achieve “100% of the advisable fat intake per day”. The DV is intended as a reference number only and not as a recommendation. The intake per day is suggested by the RDA/RDI, which will be discussed further in this article. [2] Kwashiorkor is more current in some parts of the developing world, but incidences have been reported in the US. References [i] Source: “Food Pyramid History”. http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall02/Greene/history.htm [ii] Source: America’s Eating Habits: Changes and Consequences. USDA. http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib750/ [iii] Source “Daily Values Encourage Healthy Eating”. FDA. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/special/foodlabel/dvs.html [iv] Source: “The Importance of Protein”. OhioHealth. http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/details/protein.htm About The Author Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - www.protica.com Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.

Technorati Tags: Health # 1940s # 1980s # 60 years # diet and nutrition # eating habits # evolution # food pyramid # inception # iterations # national attention # nutritional research # president roosevelt # rda # rdi # research america # shape # term food # usda # #

Inactive Alert: Essential Proteins for Sedentary People

root — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:08:45 +0200

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Protica Nutritional Research The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established by nutritional scientists, and widely accepted by athletes. Among other vital functions, protein is indispensable for creating muscle. Just as important is protein’s essential ability to repair damaged muscles after training[i]. While the value of protein in diet has been acknowledged and promoted within the mesomorphic community, it has been little well disseminated within the precise large sedentary population. Currently making up about 25% of Americans[ii] – or 1 in all 4 people – sedentary people are defined as those who undertake less than half an hour of moderate physical activity per day[iii]. A important problem to solve, therefore, is that the bulk of these sedentary Americans do not know that they are, or much likely are not, getting sufficient protein in their diet. This large group of sedentary people reflects the myth that protein-rich nutrition is important only for athletes and those who are physically active. The Reference regular Intake1 amount for protein is 50 grams, and most sedentary people are not coming at hand to meeting this standard. Next to water, protein is the body’s most prevalent substance. Protein is the essential building block for muscle and tissue, and vital for the functioning of critical systems, such as digestion. Protein even helps regulate and control hormones and chemicals that influence mood and coping ability something that has an impact for all people, heedless of physical exercise regimen. In fact, in the context of protein deficiency-related mood disorders, cardinal may argue that a sedentary person on the dangerous roadworthy to obesity might be psychologically better equipped to implement a disciplined (e.g. healthy) eating plan if, among other key factors, a complete protein diet exited from the start. Yet there is another related problem that is arguably more damaging. The little information that most Sedentary Americans are receiving about protein – snippets of facts present and there, mostly from marketers and advertisers – are often outright misleading. This is most clearly seen in the international of fast food. Many sedentary Americans who have some rudimentary awareness of protein’s importance in diet believe, due largely to marketing campaigns, that fast food burgers are a “good source of protein”. Lost in this belief is the fact that virtually all fast food burgers are almost thoroughly unhealthy choices that are high in supersaturated fat, calories, sodium, cholesterol, and the list goes on. In fact, a popular burger contains 52% of the advisable daily value (DV) of fat, and over 500 calories, of which 60% are from fat2. These clearly unhealthy factors diminish the nutritional value from the burger’s 24 grams of protein. It is largely payable to this lack of information – and concurrent existence of misinformation -- that prevents galore sedentary Americans from learning about the importance of protein. At the same time, it is also clear to medical experts that the concept of a sedentary lifestyle is a earnest global health problem that essential be addressed sooner rather than later[iv]. Addressing this problem is, like many chronic health conditions, complicated and multi-layered. Yet acceptive this complexity is, in itself, a starting point for a solution one that must equally be multi-layered and holistic in approach. Awareness of protein essential extend beyond the boundaries of the “fit and athletic” communities, and concurrently, ways for sedentary people to access protein essential be developed ways that are entirely healthier than fast food burgers. Despite the difficult and admittedly uphill battle that galore sedentary Americans face today, there is reason to be rationally optimistic. There are products on the market that are providing balanced sources of complete protein, yet in responsible, low-calorie and fat-free portions. Since these products are fortified with vitamins and nutrients, they can be used as either a supplement or a complete meal replacement. This is of notable value for dieters and “time starved” individuals who are seeking quick, accessible ways to eat healthy. Ultimately, resolving this problem of sedentary Americans will not be easy, nor will it be rapid. It has taken generations to create the statistic that 1 in 4 Americans lead sedentary lifestyles and it may take generations to unravel this knot. The hallmarks of unraveling it, however, are clear: superior awareness, quality understanding, and preceding all, quality nutritional products that consumers both demand, and indeed, thoroughly deserve from their food manufacturers. [1] Formerly referred by its better-known name “Recommended Daily Allowance”. [2] The USDA’s recommendation is 30% calories from fat References [i] Source: “The Power of Protein”. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/04_96/protein.htm [ii] Source: “What We Think is Making Us Fat”. About.com. http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/obesitycause404.htm [iii] Source: “Cost and Consequences for Sedentary Living: New Battleground for an Old Enemy”. Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. http://www.fitness.gov/researchdigestmarch2002.pdf [iv] Source: “Sedentary Lifestyle: a Global Public Health Problem”. The World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/hpr/physactiv/sedentary.lifestyle1.shtml About The Author Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - www.protica.com Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing cardinal carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.

Finding the Elusive "Complete" Protein Source

root — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 13:38:45 +0200

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Protica Nutritional Research Images of “protein powder” containers with skilled bodybuilders on their labels help inform consumers that protein is a critical macronutrient in strength training success. Yet what is sometimes lost in this protein-bodybuilding link is that protein is an essential component for everyone, regardless of physical activity. flat those who live sedentary lives must ensure that their protein intake is complete and balanced. The importance of protein in diet is undeniable. 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 function that all people need – not just bodybuilders and other athletes. Eating the appropriate composition of protein in meals is, however, proving to be an unusually difficult challenge for many Americans. To begin with, many protein sources are not considered “complete” because they do not provide all of the required amino acids necessary in order to build newer proteins. These partial proteins are often derived from fruit, grain, vegetable, and nut sources[ii]. However, the alternative to these incomplete protein sources – such as meats and dairy – present their own incomparable dietary challenges. The first challenge with respect to these meat-based sources of complete protein is that they are not an option for vegetarians. While the number of US vegetarians is difficult to pinpoint, educated estimates suggest that there are about 6 million adult vegetarians in the US, and the number is growing annually[iii]. Therefore, 6 million adult Americans cannot access complete protein through meat sources. The second challenge is that many meat- and dairy-based meals in the US are excessively high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, and other unhealthy elements. As such, while those who frequent fast food restaurants for their source of complete protein may not suffer from protein deficiency, a disconcerting number of these people will suffer from poor health. This includes: obesity, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other adverse consequences what medical experts call the “social irresponsibility” of the fast food industry[iv]. The clear challenge for nutritional experts is to identify a protein source that is both healthy and complete. The consequences of not finding a suitable protein source range from underperforming digestive systems and chemical imbalances to the ill effects of a condition called “Kwashiorkor”. More frequent in developing countries but with reported incidinces in the US, Kwashiorkor occurs in extreme protein-deficiency situations when when the body cannibalizes itself in a desperate attempt to find a source of protein. Several attempts have been ready-made to find the ideal full-blown protein source: one that is healthy, accessible to all eaters, and convenient. Indeed, this penultimate criterion of convenience is of particular importance, because many Americans in the 21st century evidently have less time to eat than ever before. Some of these attempts to find the ideal complete protein source hearken back a few generations. The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has been adoptive as a complete protein source by some, but rejected by many more. While peanut butter does provide a good source of protein, the sodium complacent of most grocery store minor butter brands, and the superior carbohydrate and fat levels of the average “PB&J on white” keep it from being an ideal choice[v]. Other proposed solutions are more recent inventions. These include the range of nutritional powders and “energy” bars ready in most health food stores, and in a growing number of grocery stores. With respect to protein powders, while many of them do provide a decent source of protein, it is simply not a accessible source for most people. With respect to energy bars, galore of them have been criticized for their high calorie and carbohydrate levels. Another solution – and one that is garnering some serious acclaim from within the health community – is fluid nutritional supplements that are easy to transport, and offer a complete protein source fit for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike1. At the same time, these products are specifically planned to be low-calorie (and therefore diet-friendly), and offer additional nutrients and vitamins that the body needs in addition to full-blown protein. These innovative, full-blown protein products are a constructive sign in a nutritional sector that has struggled with misinformation. Regrettably, many so-called energy bars and protein powders are full with calories and carbohydrates. many of them – in specific many energy bars – hardly offer any protein, which is a curious omission that most consumers do not realize as they ingest these products. Fortunately, as noted above, there are scientifically engineered products on the market that deliver the complete protein and nutrition that consumers expect when 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: awheel 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 general 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 nonmoving 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 About The Author Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - www.protica.com Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.